Russia Will Not Chase After Europe, Lavrov Says

Russia will not chase after Europe and will not ask for the removal of sanctions, as this contradicts the dignity of the country and the genetic code of its people. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Sergey Lavrov, during a lecture organized by the 'Znanije' company at the Eastern Economic Forum.

He noted that the Russian Federation has never isolated itself or built walls from Europe, but rather, it has been European states that have taken such steps. 'Europe decided that in the past years our cooperation was so important for the Russian Federation that we would come running and beg: 'Well, please forgive us, forget what happened, let’s return, lift the sanctions,' Lavrov pointed out. 'Such a thing will not happen. It is not in the genetic code of our people at all. We have, if you will, our own dignity. And in the best sense of the word. We totally do not need anyone's goodwill.'

According to the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, there are enough friends and partners willing for honest cooperation. He also added that Europe is not ready and is unable to cooperate honestly.

The Eastern Economic Forum is being held from September 1-4 in Vladivostok at the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University. The key theme of the event for 2026 is 'The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People'. The forum is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian government, and the main information partner is TASS.