Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov issued fresh warnings to European governments on Wednesday, declaring that Moscow will retaliate if European nations escalate their involvement in the Ukraine conflict either by sending troops or by seizing frozen Russian assets to fund Kyiv’s war effort. His remarks, delivered before the Federation Council, Russia’s upper house of parliament, highlighted the Kremlin’s increasingly confrontational posture as geopolitical tensions deepen across Europe.
Speaking to lawmakers, Lavrov insisted that Russia is prepared to respond decisively to any move it sees as hostile. According to reporting from Reuters, he claimed Moscow does not seek a direct war with Europe but emphasized that Russia would not hesitate to act if pushed.
“We will respond to any hostile steps, including the deployment of European military contingents in Ukraine and the expropriation of Russian assets. And we are already prepared for this response,” Lavrov said, according to Reuters. His comments signaled a clear message: if Europe expands its engagement beyond supplying weapons and financial aid, Moscow will view it as a major escalation.
Lavrov Praises Trump While Criticizing Europe
During the same address, Lavrov made remarks that immediately drew global attention. He described U.S. President Donald Trump as the “only Western leader” who understands what he called the underlying reasons the war was “inevitable.” The Russian foreign minister claimed that Moscow values Trump’s willingness to engage in dialogue about a possible settlement.
However, Lavrov also pointed out what he saw as contradictions in Trump’s approach. Even as Trump expresses interest in negotiations, Lavrov noted that the administration has continued tightening sanctions against Russia, increasing economic pressure on Moscow despite calls for a diplomatic path forward.
His comments came just days after Trump delivered sharp criticism of European governments. In an interview with Politico, Trump accused European leaders of failing to contribute adequately to Ukraine’s defense, saying they “talk but they don’t produce.” He described Europe’s political leadership as “weak” and preoccupied with being “politically correct.” Trump also reiterated that he plans to keep endorsing European politicians who align with his worldview, even if such moves create diplomatic backlash.
Those remarks drew a swift response from European Council President António Costa. Speaking in Paris at a Jacques Delors Institute event, Costa warned that NATO allies must treat each other with respect and avoid interfering in domestic political affairs. “Allies do not threaten to interfere in each other’s political life and democratic choices,” Costa said, according to Reuters. He warned that Europe and the United States “no longer share the same vision of the international order,” highlighting a widening rift within the transatlantic alliance.
Zelenskyy Announces First Formal Reconstruction Talks With Trump Officials
As Lavrov was accusing Europe of undermining peace efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his government had held what he described as the first formal meeting with senior Trump administration officials focused specifically on Ukraine’s reconstruction and long-term economic recovery.
In a message posted to X on Wednesday, Zelenskyy wrote, “Together with our team, I held a productive discussion with the American side… In fact, this could be considered the first meeting of the group that will work on a document concerning the reconstruction and economic recovery of Ukraine.”
The meeting comes at a critical moment for Ukraine, which continues to grapple with massive infrastructure damage, persistent Russian strikes, and a stagnant front line. A photo released from Odesa this year showed residents walking through the rubble of destroyed homes an increasingly common sight as Russia continues targeting civilian infrastructure.
Zelenskyy said the discussions covered “the key elements for recovery,” including financing mechanisms, private-sector investment, and a revised “20-point framework document for ending the war.” According to the Ukrainian president, the conversation also focused on the link between national security and economic rebuilding arguing that a safe business environment cannot exist without broader guarantees of stability.
He emphasized that Ukraine does not intend to slow the pace of negotiations with the United States. “As always, there will be no delays on our side. We are working to deliver results,” he wrote. Zelenskyy concluded by thanking Trump for the involvement of his administration, saying, “I thank President Trump and his team for their substantive work and support.”