2026-08-24 Source Full transcript Review required
Lavrov Britain Ukraine NATO Article 5 collective West Russian security

Lavrov answers a question from Moscow. Kremlin. Putin, 23 August 2026

1. British Participation and Consequences

Москва рассматривает участие британских ракетных сил в ударах по России как участие в конфликте со всеми вытекающими последствиями.

Lavrov treats reported British missile-force participation in strikes on Russian territory as direct involvement in hostilities. He links this to President Putin’s warning that Russia may act wherever its interests and property are threatened, including at sea. The central message is deterrent: London cannot advertise operational participation while assuming that Moscow will regard it as politically insulated support.

Из стенограммы script
Мы имеем право рассматривать прямое участие британских ракетных войск в ударах по Российской Федерации в качестве участия в войне.

We have the right to regard the direct participation of British missile forces in strikes on the Russian Federation as participation in the war.

Президент предупреждал о наших правах действовать в любом районе мирового океана, если кто-то будет посягать на наши интересы.

The President warned of our right to act in any part of the world ocean if someone encroaches on our interests.

Key exchange
Q How does Moscow view Britain’s promise to remain with Ukraine and reports that drone attacks show less fear of a Russian response?
A Russia may regard direct British participation in strikes as participation in the conflict, with all resulting consequences.
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2. NATO’s Collective-Defence Ambiguity

Лавров ставит вопрос, не превращают ли союзники принцип коллективной обороны в прикрытие коллективного нападения.

Lavrov asks why individual NATO states present their actions as national initiatives rather than alliance policy. He turns Article 5 back on the alliance, arguing that members may be using the language of collective defence to cover collective attack. Moscow will therefore assess the conduct of Britain, Brussels, Paris, Berlin and other NATO and EU capitals as a connected pattern rather than accept advance public denials of responsibility.

Может быть, они все этой статьёй пятой уже связаны и считают себя вправе вместо коллективной обороны осуществлять коллективное нападение.
Perhaps they are already bound by Article 5 and consider themselves entitled to carry out collective attack instead of collective defence.
Они знают, чем они занимаются, и пытаются от этого публично заранее отмазаться. Не получится.
They know what they are doing and are trying publicly to excuse themselves in advance. It will not work.
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