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When it comes to the Russian role in the war, Lavrov is laughed at

The statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was not surprising, so the response from the audience at a conference in the Indian capital New Delhi on Friday was unanimous: When Lavrov again blamed the West for the war in Ukraine, he was laughed at interrupted.

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When it comes to the Russian role in the war, Lavrov is laughed at

The statement by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was not surprising, so the response from the audience at a conference in the Indian capital New Delhi on Friday was unanimous: When Lavrov again blamed the West for the war in Ukraine, he was laughed at interrupted. Lavrov was asked about Russia's energy policy and said: "You know, the war that we are trying to end and that was launched against us, in which Ukraine was used...".

After a short pause, caused by the laughter of the audience and heckling, he then added hesitantly that (the war) had influenced Russia's politics, including energy policy. Russia will never again rely on partners in the West. Rather, they want reliable partners in energy policy, India and China are certainly among them.

It was remarkable that Lavrov described the war as such. So far, the Kremlin has avoided this and speaks of a "military special operation".

At the end of the roughly 30-minute conversation at the Raisina conference broadcast by news website Firstpost, the moderator said goodbye to Lavrov and asked him if he could promise that the next conversation would take place in less dangerous times. "The Americans will certainly suggest you some questions that you can use," Lavrov said, getting up and walking off the stage, amid laughter.

The multilateral geopolitics and economics conference, hosted by a think tank and the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is held annually in New Delhi. India has strong economic and military ties with Russia and wants to remain neutral. Much of the Indian Armed Forces' equipment comes from Russia.

Most recently, the South Asian country with the second largest population after China abstained in the UN General Assembly in a vote on a resolution on the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution contains the demand for peace and the withdrawal of Moscow.

Lavrov was previously criticized at the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in India. There, representatives of Western countries had once again condemned Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Greens) addressed Lavrov directly: "Stop this war. Stop violating our international order. Stop the bombing of Ukrainian cities and civilians,” demanded the Greens politician, according to information from delegation circles.

Unlike at a meeting of G20 foreign ministers last year, Lavrov stayed in the room. "This is a small step forward, but an important one," said EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell afterwards. "I think it's better than nothing." At the meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Bali last year, Lavrov left the meeting in protest when criticism of Russia was voiced.

The Ukrainian defense minister expects delivery of western fighter jets soon. "The more painful the arms deliveries, the greater the outcry in the Kremlin," says Russia correspondent Christoph Wanner, explaining the reaction of former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev.

Source: WORLD

In New Delhi on Thursday there was also the first personal meeting between Lavrov and his US colleague Antony Blinken since Russia invaded Ukraine more than a year ago. Blinken said after the meeting he told Lavrov that Russia should end the war, resume the suspended New Start disarmament treaty and release imprisoned US citizen Paul Whelan. He was convicted of alleged espionage in 2018.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has massively worsened relations between Russia and Western countries. They support Ukraine with arms deliveries for the fight against Russian troops, with the USA taking the lead.

"Kick-off Politics" is WELT's daily news podcast. The most important topic, analyzed by WELT editors, and the dates of the day. Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, among others, or directly via RSS feed.

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