14.08.2026 18:21
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reacted to the EU's decision to inspect Russian commercial vessels, arguing that this practice is contrary to international law. Lavrov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated a response will be made, saying, "Ships operating in the interests of countries that have declared robbery and piracy as official policy will be targeted."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made statements on current issues in an interview with the Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
“SHIPS WILL BE TARGETED” Commenting on the EU's decision to inspect Russian commercial ships, Lavrov said Brussels is trying to limit Russia's ability to generate income in global markets.
Lavrov continued his speech as follows: "All ships that do not comply with EU rules are declared a 'shadow fleet.' This is a very dangerous path because they (Europeans) claim that their decisions are above international law. They allow ships to be stopped, cargo on board to be confiscated and sold, and the proceeds to be given to Ukraine to strengthen the Nazi regime."
Noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that there will be a response to this, Lavrov said, "We will determine the targets ourselves. Ships operating in the interests of countries that have declared robbery and piracy as official policy will be targeted."
Sergey Lavrov "WE EXPECT A RESPONSE FROM THE US" Regarding the possibility of US Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner visiting Russia, Lavrov said, "We have not given up on talking to them. They know they will be received by Putin when they come here. What they come with matters."
Drawing attention to the US providing intelligence to Ukraine on conducting attacks on Russian civilian infrastructure, Lavrov assessed, "We have conveyed some questions to the US regarding this. We will wait for answers to these questions."
"WE MUST STOP WHEN A RELIABLE AND SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION IS FOUND" Emphasizing that the West provides military support to Kiev and that they have taken firm steps to prevent this, Lavrov said, "Some are calling for an immediate halt. That won't happen; we should only stop when a long-term, reliable, and sustainable solution is found."
Regarding Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signing a document on providing military support to Ukraine, Lavrov stated, "Vucic's situation is difficult. Vucic is an experienced politician and committed to European integration. At this stage, the EU is mocking him, almost blackmailing him."
Minister Lavrov said the current Japanese administration, together with the US, is militarizing the country.
COMMENT ON TÜRKİYE Evaluating the possibility of Türkiye reassuming its mediation role in resolving the Ukraine crisis, Lavrov emphasized that Ankara intends to maintain good relations with Russia.
Pointing out that there are many joint projects between Russia and Türkiye in the economic field and many common points in history, Lavrov said, "These are the Caucasus and the Black Sea. Türkiye genuinely favors a stable Black Sea. Our Turkish colleagues are again saying that an agreement must be reached to ensure ships are not targeted by attacks. However, we are not the ones who initiated this."
"TÜRKİYE AND THE US WARNED KIEV" Reminding that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) belonging to the Ukrainian Armed Forces had previously carried out attacks on Turkish cargo ships and the infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), and that ships of American energy companies were targeted, Lavrov recounted that Türkiye and the US warned Kiev.
Minister Lavrov said, "In response to these calls, the Zelenskyy administration did not promise to stop the attacks, but promised that attacks on ships not related to Russia would be stopped."
Noting that the agenda between Türkiye and Russia is quite broad, Lavrov said, "I think that in the context of NATO membership and relations with the EU, aftershocks are inevitable (in bilateral relations)."