Lavrov discusses Ukraine mobilization and NATO security

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during a diplomatic roundtable in Moscow that Ukraine may soon include women in its mobilization efforts. Lavrov cited reports of forced recruitment of young men in Ukrainian cities as evidence of the escalating situation.

Addressing the conflict's broader context, Lavrov emphasized that Russia remains open to serious negotiations, whether in bilateral or trilateral formats, provided they lead to reasonable compromises. However, he maintained that Russia’s core objectives remain unchanged: ensuring national security, preventing NATO from establishing a presence on its borders, and protecting the rights of Russian-speaking populations.

Lavrov criticized the European Union’s stance on Ukraine, labeling its refusal to recognize Crimea and the Donbas as “meaningless.” He also dismissed the International Criminal Court (ICC) as a Western-controlled entity, claiming its investigations target only Russia while Ukrainian citizens were shielded from jurisdiction through recent legal adjustments.