Minsk:Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has criticized the European Union's calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine, suggesting they are intended to provide Kyiv with a strategic advantage. He made these remarks at the 4th Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security in the Belarusian capital.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, Lavrov claimed that the EU's appeals for peace were not genuine but rather aimed at allowing Kyiv time to "restore its combat potential." He criticized the EU for what he described as "lamentations" and accused it of becoming an "aggressive, militaristic" entity with anti-Russian and anti-Belarusian tendencies.

During his address, Lavrov singled out the UK and France for their ceasefire calls and reiterated Moscow's demand for addressing the conflict's "root causes." He also extended an invitation for collaboration on a Eurasian security architecture, emphasizing openness to those willing to abandon hostility and seek a fair balance of interests.

Lavrov commented on the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), labeling its current state as "deplorable" due to the West's "confrontational" stance. He questioned the future of the Euro-Atlantic security model, suggesting it requires significant reform to remain viable.

Additionally, Lavrov accused Japan of pursuing rapid militarization and reconsidering its post-World War II non-nuclear principles. His visit to Minsk followed a trip to the US for a G20 ministerial meeting in Atlanta, Georgia, on October 30-31. While in Minsk, Lavrov also engaged in discussions with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu.