Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Accuses NATO, EU of Waging 'Real War' via Ukraine

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov asserted on Thursday, September 25, 2025, that the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU) are engaged in a 'real war' against Russia, utilizing Ukraine as a proxy. The statement was delivered during a G20 foreign ministers' meeting held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. Lavrov's remarks echoed Russia's long-standing narrative that Western actions provoked the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Accusation of Direct Involvement

During his address, Lavrov stated that NATO and the EU have 'already declared a real war on my country and are directly involved in it'. He emphasized that these Western blocs have moved beyond merely providing assistance to Ukraine and are now active participants in the conflict. This accusation aligns with previous statements from the Kremlin, including those made by spokesperson Dmitry Peskov earlier in September, who similarly claimed that NATO was 'at war with Russia' due to its military support for Kyiv.

Western Rejection and Escalating Tensions

The claims were met with immediate rejection from Western officials. British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper dismissed Lavrov's comments as 'false fantasy world distortions' and condemned Russia's 'unprovoked war of aggression' against Ukraine. Cooper's remarks were made as Lavrov prepared to leave the meeting. Additionally, European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas urged international pressure on Moscow. Despite Russia's assertions, NATO and EU members have not formally declared war or entered the conflict directly.

Lavrov's accusations come amidst heightened tensions between Russia and NATO. Recent weeks have seen several incidents, including:

• Russian airspace incursions into NATO member states such as Poland, Romania, and Estonia.
• NORAD interception of Russian military aircraft near Alaska.

Context of 'Proxy War' Claims

The concept of the Ukraine conflict as a 'proxy war' has been a recurring theme in Russian rhetoric. While some analysts debate the applicability of the term, arguing it can diminish Ukraine's agency, Russia consistently frames Western military and financial support for Ukraine as direct hostility. Lavrov's latest comments also followed remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who had criticized Moscow's military performance and suggested Ukraine could reclaim its territory. Trump's suggestion that NATO allies should shoot down Russian aircraft breaching their airspace was met with a warning from Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov, who stated such actions would amount to 'war'.