Lavrov Accuses Western Nations of Preparing for Large-Scale European Conflict

Lavrov Delivers Warning at Minsk Conference

On Tuesday, October 28, 2025, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov issued a stark warning, stating that Western countries are 'openly gearing up for a large-scale conflict in Europe'. The accusations were made during his address at the 3rd Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security in Minsk, Belarus. Lavrov attributed this alleged preparation to Western nations' actions, including the undermining of arms control agreements and the continued eastward expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) .

Undermining Arms Control and NATO Expansion

Lavrov asserted that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has 'destroyed the Euro-Atlantic security architecture', effectively turning the European Union into an extension of NATO . He criticized proposals for a new European security system that deliberately exclude Russia and Belarus, citing France's European Political Community as an example of such exclusionary tactics . The Russian Foreign Minister also highlighted what he described as escalating militarization across Europe. This includes:

• France and Britain's nuclear coordination
• A military pact between Germany and Britain that 'may include nuclear elements'
• Rising defense expenditures and large-scale military exercises preparing for eastern deployments

Furthermore, Lavrov expressed concern over NATO's increased activities in the Arctic, which he claimed 'threaten peaceful cooperation in the region' .

Accusations Regarding Ukraine Conflict and Future Security

The minister accused European NATO members of 'prolonging the Ukraine conflict by supplying arms and pressuring the United States against negotiated settlements' . He voiced hope that U.S. President Donald Trump would remain committed to resolving the crisis based on principles established at the Alaska summit . Lavrov reiterated Russia's long-standing call for an inclusive security framework designed to prevent dominance by any single power and promote 'genuine multipolarity' . He also stated that Russia has 'no intentions to attack any current NATO or EU member state' and is prepared to enshrine this position in future security guarantees for Eurasia, aiming to ensure transparency and stability .