Moscow:Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has accused European countries of waging war against Russia by supplying weapons to Ukraine, which are being used in conflict with Russia.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov made these remarks on the sidelines of the Valdai forum in Moscow, dismissing European claims that Russia's strikes on ships carrying Western weapons to Ukraine were part of a 'hybrid covert war' by Moscow. Lavrov emphasized that Russia's use of force in Ukraine is a defensive measure to eliminate threats, specifically targeting infrastructure used by what he termed the 'Nazi regime' with Western support.

Lavrov also mentioned upcoming talks with the US, stating that discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio have led to an agreement to coordinate specific dates and locations for these talks. One key issue Lavrov highlighted was the return of Russian diplomatic property seized by the US, noting a lack of encouraging signals from the Trump administration on this matter.

He further criticized the US for advancing its unilateral interests but acknowledged that Washington is compelled to engage with Russia and China. Lavrov commented on Poland's plans to produce Patriot missiles and urged European countries to study Russia's military doctrine.

During a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul in New York, Lavrov suggested that Berlin's interest in the Ukraine conflict might stem from a desire not to 'miss the train.' Lavrov described this as a potential motivation for Germany's involvement and criticized NATO's expansion efforts and the portrayal of Russia as an 'eternal enemy.'

Lavrov expressed disappointment that some EU and NATO officials were acting as spokespersons for what he described as the European position, calling such actions harmful.