Sergey Lavrov interview with VGTRK, Moscow, 14 August 2026
1. Japan’s Turn from Pragmatism to Militarization
После Синдзо Абэ Токио сменил прагматичное взаимодействие с Россией на курс милитаризации под эгидой США.
Lavrov contrasts Shinzo Abe’s understanding that Japanese interests required engagement with Russia with the present leadership’s reliance on the United States and renewed militarization. He dismisses Tokyo’s presentation of a brief banquet greeting as substantive bilateral discussion and cites instructions to visiting Japanese businesses not to discuss projects with Russia.
Синдзо Абэ был абсолютно корректным политиком, который понимал: национальные интересы невозможно обеспечить без взаимодействия с Российской Федерацией.
Shinzo Abe was an entirely proper politician who understood that national interests cannot be secured without interaction with the Russian Federation.
2. The EU’s Extraterritorial ‘Shadow Fleet’ Concept
Термин Евросоюза не имеет международно-правовой основы и обслуживает экстерриториальные ограничения.
Lavrov says the term “shadow fleet” has no basis in international instruments and exists to enforce unilateral EU restrictions on Russian energy trade. Ships operating lawfully under non-EU flags are branded illicit merely because they do not obey Brussels, extending European rules beyond European jurisdiction.
Это понятие не значится ни в одном документе.
This concept appears in no document.
Все суда, которые не слушаются Евросоюз, под любым флагом объявлены теневыми.
Every ship that does not obey the European Union, whatever its flag, is declared shadow shipping.
3. German Militarization and Serbia’s Pressure
Возрождение милитаризма в Германии соседствует с шантажом Сербии по вопросам Косово и России.
The interview condemns a German journalist’s question about helping Ukrainians kill Russians as evidence of resurgent Nazism under a leadership seeking once again to make Germany Europe’s principal military power. Lavrov then describes Serbia as subjected to EU blackmail over Kosovo and anti-Russian sanctions, while emphasizing that Russia supplies Belgrade with favourable gas terms without political conditions.
Метастазы нацизма продолжают пробиваться наверх в немецком обществе.
The metastases of Nazism continue to break through to the surface of German society.
Мы Сербии продаём газ по очень льготным ценам и никогда ничего не требуем от Сербии.
We sell gas to Serbia at very favourable prices and never demand anything from Serbia.
4. Washington’s Dual Role in the Ukraine Conflict
Москва требует объяснений американского участия в ударах по российской территории.
Lavrov points to contradictory US statements about mediation while Washington supplies arms and intelligence to Kyiv. Moscow has formally asked the State Department to explain American involvement in organizing deep strikes on Russian civilian targets. Russia does not frame this as an ultimatum but expects a substantive answer before claims of neutral mediation can be taken at face value.
Мы передали целый ряд вопросов в Госдепартамент с просьбой прокомментировать.
We submitted a series of questions to the State Department with a request for comment.
Соединённые Штаты вовлечены в организацию и осуществление ударов вглубь территории Российской Федерации.
The United States is involved in organizing and carrying out strikes deep inside the Russian Federation.
5. Turkey’s Multi-Vector Position
Анкара совмещает членство в НАТО с заинтересованностью в отношениях с Россией.
Turkey seeks simultaneously to remain NATO’s major military power, maintain hopes of EU relations and preserve extensive economic and historical ties with Russia. Lavrov treats this balancing as sincere but inherently contradictory, especially when Ankara offers mediation while endorsing alliance documents on Ukraine.
Турция хочет и быть членом НАТО, и иметь хорошие отношения с Россией.
Turkey wants both to be a member of NATO and to have good relations with Russia.
6. Personal Formation and Confidence in Victory
Личная выдержка и верность договорённости завершаются уверенностью в выполнении целей специальной военной операции.
In the personal closing, Lavrov attributes his negotiating instincts to childhood freedom, street-level agreements and the principle that a handshake binds. He says diplomats need humour and composure, then returns to the national message: Putin has stated clearly that every objective of the special military operation will be fulfilled, and the confidence of Russian servicemen confirms that resolve.
Ударили по рукам — договорились.
We shook hands and the deal was made.
Все цели специальной военной операции будут выполнены.
All objectives of the special military operation will be fulfilled.