Sergei Lavrov criticizes Western efforts to maintain hegemony

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov criticized Western powers during the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, accusing Europe of attempting to preserve its hegemony through confrontational policies. Lavrov stated that Europe has historically lived “at the expense of others” and warned that German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s ambition to restore Germany as Europe’s primary military power is dangerous for the continent.

Lavrov further argued that Western nations are increasingly rejecting international consensus in favor of a “dictatorial” approach to global affairs. He characterized European sanctions against Russia as an attempt to defend Western dominance in world affairs.

Additionally, Lavrov claimed that the West is pursuing a “fierce” policy to divide the Eurasian continent and prevent it from utilizing its economic advantages. This sentiment was echoed by Maria Zakharova, who described Western efforts to maintain influence as “neocolonial” methods used to preserve an “illusory” dominance.