• Radio
  • TV
  • Market
28 °c
Accra
28 ° Wed
28 ° Thu
28 ° Fri
28 ° Sat
28 ° Sun
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
Nsemgh
  • WORLD NEWS
    Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

    Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

    No Scottish parliament holding Independence Referendum -Supreme Court

    SNP accidentally leaks Nicola Sturgeon’s bank account details

    Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

    Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

    47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong

    47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong

    Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed

    Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed

    UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester

    UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester

  • LOCAL NEWS
    NPP MPs are to boycott the budget reading if Ken Ofori -Atta is not sack immediately

    Ofori-Atta to pensioners: “We need an IMF bailout in March or the economy would collapse.”

    Osofo Kyiri Abosom: My wife left me because I have a child with another lady

    Osofo Kyiri Abosom: My wife left me because I have a child with another lady

    UK: Gay men could be offered monkeypox vaccine

    Monkeypox Outbreak: Ghana records four deaths, 116 cases

    Suspected food poisoning: 5 die after eating waakye

    Suspected food poisoning: 5 die after eating waakye

    Ghana: WAEC releases 2022 BECE results

    Ghana: WAEC releases 2022 BECE results

    We remain resolute despite dismissal of E-levy injunction application – Haruna

    Major shake-up in NDC leadership in Parliament

  • BUSINESS
    GH¢575.7bn debt could be much higher than announced – Jackson

    GH¢575.7bn debt could be much higher than announced – Jackson

    Ghana produced 1.04m tonnes of cocoa in 2021; highest ever in history – Akufo-Addo

    African Development Bank to commit $10 billion to make Africa the breadbasket of the world

    Amazon’s UK warehouse workers strike

    Amazon’s UK warehouse workers strike

    NPP MPs are to boycott the budget reading if Ken Ofori -Atta is not sack immediately

    Government reaches agreement with banks on new terms for debt exchange programme

    FTX says $415 million in crypto was hacked

    FTX says $415 million in crypto was hacked

  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • All
    • Religion
    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Viola Davis becomes Egot winner at the 2023 Grammy awards

    Viola Davis becomes Egot winner at the 2023 Grammy awards

    Grammy Award 2023 Winners: Beyoncé,Adele & Lizzo won big

    Grammy Award 2023 Winners: Beyoncé,Adele & Lizzo won big

    Idris Elba is building film studio in Ghana

    Idris Elba is building film studio in Ghana

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s mum in horror car crash

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s mum in horror car crash

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    • Religion
  • TECHNOLOGY
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Automobile
    On Android, Google Chrome Incognito tabs can now be hidden behind a biometric lock

    On Android, Google Chrome Incognito tabs can now be hidden behind a biometric lock

    Netflix Plan to Introduce ad-supported, lower-priced subscription plan

    Netflix ceased password sharing to begin in coming months

    India to launch Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G soon

    India to launch Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G soon

    Sir Richard Branson and Uk Space Agency face disappointment as ‘launcherone’ face anomly

    Sir Richard Branson and Uk Space Agency face disappointment as ‘launcherone’ face anomly

    Old NASA satellite falling from sky this weekend, low threat

    Old NASA satellite falling from sky this weekend, low threat

    WhatsApp set to stop working on 49 smartphones for millions of users this month during major upgrade

    WhatsApp set to stop working on 49 smartphones for millions of users this month during major upgrade

    • Architecture
    • Automobile
  • Features
    • All
    • Announcement
    • Obituary
    • Opinion
    World Pele dies at age 82

    VIDEO: Pele lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Ken Block, a rally driver and YouTube celebrity, perishes in a snowmobile accident

    Ken Block, a rally driver and YouTube celebrity, perishes in a snowmobile accident

    Queensland:Man dies after being hit by bull at New Year’s Eve

    Queensland:Man dies after being hit by bull at New Year’s Eve

    Former pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95

    Former pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95

    World Pele dies at age 82

    World Pele dies at age 82

    Cambodia Casino Fire: At least 10 killed and dozens injured

    Cambodia Casino Fire: At least 10 killed and dozens injured

    • Opinion
    • Announcement
    • Obituary
  • Health
    Countries with biggest Disease threats

    Countries with biggest Disease threats

    Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week

    Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week

    Naomi Osaka,25,confirms pregnancy

    Naomi Osaka,25,confirms pregnancy

    South Korea and Japan suffer reprisals from China due to COVID-19 restrictions

    South Korea and Japan suffer reprisals from China due to COVID-19 restrictions

    90% of people in China province infected with Covid -Report

    90% of people in China province infected with Covid -Report

  • LIFE STYLE
    • All
    • Fashion
    Pete the Vet: The top ten cancers in pets and how to minimise their impact

    Pete the Vet: The top ten cancers in pets and how to minimise their impact

    Kanya West made surprise statement ‘White Lives Matter’ at his YZY fashion show

    Kanya West made surprise statement ‘White Lives Matter’ at his YZY fashion show

    Amsterdam considers banning ‘cannabis tourists’ from its coffee shops 

    Amsterdam considers banning ‘cannabis tourists’ from its coffee shops 

    Africa is the next frontier of fashion – Vogue boss

    Africa is the next frontier of fashion – Vogue boss

    Poor sex education: Nearly 50 per cent of Brits failed to identify where the vagina is

    Poor sex education: Nearly 50 per cent of Brits failed to identify where the vagina is

    Learn from a wife who FAKED Orgasm for 30 years

    Learn from a wife who FAKED Orgasm for 30 years

    • Fashion
  • Sports
    • All
    • Local Sport
    • World Sport
    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Man United midfielder Fred reveals Erik ten Hag’s three rules

    Man United midfielder Fred reveals Erik ten Hag’s three rules

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Marcel Sabitzer signed a loan deal with Man United until the end of the season

    Marcel Sabitzer signed a loan deal with Man United until the end of the season

    FA Cup: Brighton 2-1 Liverpool

    FA Cup: Brighton 2-1 Liverpool

    • Local Sports
    • World Sport
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
  • WORLD NEWS
    Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

    Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

    No Scottish parliament holding Independence Referendum -Supreme Court

    SNP accidentally leaks Nicola Sturgeon’s bank account details

    Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

    Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

    47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong

    47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong

    Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed

    Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed

    UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester

    UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester

  • LOCAL NEWS
    NPP MPs are to boycott the budget reading if Ken Ofori -Atta is not sack immediately

    Ofori-Atta to pensioners: “We need an IMF bailout in March or the economy would collapse.”

    Osofo Kyiri Abosom: My wife left me because I have a child with another lady

    Osofo Kyiri Abosom: My wife left me because I have a child with another lady

    UK: Gay men could be offered monkeypox vaccine

    Monkeypox Outbreak: Ghana records four deaths, 116 cases

    Suspected food poisoning: 5 die after eating waakye

    Suspected food poisoning: 5 die after eating waakye

    Ghana: WAEC releases 2022 BECE results

    Ghana: WAEC releases 2022 BECE results

    We remain resolute despite dismissal of E-levy injunction application – Haruna

    Major shake-up in NDC leadership in Parliament

  • BUSINESS
    GH¢575.7bn debt could be much higher than announced – Jackson

    GH¢575.7bn debt could be much higher than announced – Jackson

    Ghana produced 1.04m tonnes of cocoa in 2021; highest ever in history – Akufo-Addo

    African Development Bank to commit $10 billion to make Africa the breadbasket of the world

    Amazon’s UK warehouse workers strike

    Amazon’s UK warehouse workers strike

    NPP MPs are to boycott the budget reading if Ken Ofori -Atta is not sack immediately

    Government reaches agreement with banks on new terms for debt exchange programme

    FTX says $415 million in crypto was hacked

    FTX says $415 million in crypto was hacked

  • ENTERTAINMENT
    • All
    • Religion
    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Viola Davis becomes Egot winner at the 2023 Grammy awards

    Viola Davis becomes Egot winner at the 2023 Grammy awards

    Grammy Award 2023 Winners: Beyoncé,Adele & Lizzo won big

    Grammy Award 2023 Winners: Beyoncé,Adele & Lizzo won big

    Idris Elba is building film studio in Ghana

    Idris Elba is building film studio in Ghana

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s mum in horror car crash

    Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s mum in horror car crash

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    • Religion
  • TECHNOLOGY
    • All
    • Architecture
    • Automobile
    On Android, Google Chrome Incognito tabs can now be hidden behind a biometric lock

    On Android, Google Chrome Incognito tabs can now be hidden behind a biometric lock

    Netflix Plan to Introduce ad-supported, lower-priced subscription plan

    Netflix ceased password sharing to begin in coming months

    India to launch Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G soon

    India to launch Redmi Note 12 Pro 5G soon

    Sir Richard Branson and Uk Space Agency face disappointment as ‘launcherone’ face anomly

    Sir Richard Branson and Uk Space Agency face disappointment as ‘launcherone’ face anomly

    Old NASA satellite falling from sky this weekend, low threat

    Old NASA satellite falling from sky this weekend, low threat

    WhatsApp set to stop working on 49 smartphones for millions of users this month during major upgrade

    WhatsApp set to stop working on 49 smartphones for millions of users this month during major upgrade

    • Architecture
    • Automobile
  • Features
    • All
    • Announcement
    • Obituary
    • Opinion
    World Pele dies at age 82

    VIDEO: Pele lying in state in Santos’ stadium

    Ken Block, a rally driver and YouTube celebrity, perishes in a snowmobile accident

    Ken Block, a rally driver and YouTube celebrity, perishes in a snowmobile accident

    Queensland:Man dies after being hit by bull at New Year’s Eve

    Queensland:Man dies after being hit by bull at New Year’s Eve

    Former pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95

    Former pope Benedict XVI dies aged 95

    World Pele dies at age 82

    World Pele dies at age 82

    Cambodia Casino Fire: At least 10 killed and dozens injured

    Cambodia Casino Fire: At least 10 killed and dozens injured

    • Opinion
    • Announcement
    • Obituary
  • Health
    Countries with biggest Disease threats

    Countries with biggest Disease threats

    Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week

    Health Canada recommends limiting alcohol to just 2 drinks per week

    Naomi Osaka,25,confirms pregnancy

    Naomi Osaka,25,confirms pregnancy

    South Korea and Japan suffer reprisals from China due to COVID-19 restrictions

    South Korea and Japan suffer reprisals from China due to COVID-19 restrictions

    90% of people in China province infected with Covid -Report

    90% of people in China province infected with Covid -Report

  • LIFE STYLE
    • All
    • Fashion
    Pete the Vet: The top ten cancers in pets and how to minimise their impact

    Pete the Vet: The top ten cancers in pets and how to minimise their impact

    Kanya West made surprise statement ‘White Lives Matter’ at his YZY fashion show

    Kanya West made surprise statement ‘White Lives Matter’ at his YZY fashion show

    Amsterdam considers banning ‘cannabis tourists’ from its coffee shops 

    Amsterdam considers banning ‘cannabis tourists’ from its coffee shops 

    Africa is the next frontier of fashion – Vogue boss

    Africa is the next frontier of fashion – Vogue boss

    Poor sex education: Nearly 50 per cent of Brits failed to identify where the vagina is

    Poor sex education: Nearly 50 per cent of Brits failed to identify where the vagina is

    Learn from a wife who FAKED Orgasm for 30 years

    Learn from a wife who FAKED Orgasm for 30 years

    • Fashion
  • Sports
    • All
    • Local Sport
    • World Sport
    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

    Man United midfielder Fred reveals Erik ten Hag’s three rules

    Man United midfielder Fred reveals Erik ten Hag’s three rules

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Greenwood has all charges against him dropped

    Marcel Sabitzer signed a loan deal with Man United until the end of the season

    Marcel Sabitzer signed a loan deal with Man United until the end of the season

    FA Cup: Brighton 2-1 Liverpool

    FA Cup: Brighton 2-1 Liverpool

    • Local Sports
    • World Sport
  • Login
  • Register
No Result
View All Result
Nsemgh
Home News World News

Putin’s Lavrov taunts UK

Lavrov parroted Putin's claim that Russian forces were fighting 'Nazis' in Ukraine

8 months ago
in World News
Reading Time: 20 mins read
A A
0
Israel outrage at Sergei Lavrov’s claim that Hitler was part Jewish
Share on Telegram

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov taunted British leaders on Thursday over their response to the war in Ukraine, and insisted Russia is ‘not ashamed of showing who we are’ when confronted over his country’s war crimes.

The Kremlin official, a long-time ally of president Vladimir Putin, goaded Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss in particular, after she said last month that Russia must be defeated, saying: ‘Go on, then, do it!’

RelatedStories

Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

SNP accidentally leaks Nicola Sturgeon’s bank account details

Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

Putin’s right-hand man also parroted Moscow’s claim that ‘Nazis’ in Ukraine and the country’s growing relationship with NATO were the reasons behind Russia’s so-called ‘special military operation’.

Lavrov, 72, has acted as Russia’s representative on the international stage for 18 years and has been one of the main spreaders of Kremlin propaganda surrounding the Ukraine war – resulting in Western sanctions being put on him and his daughter.

In an interview with the BBC’s Russia Editor Steve Rosenberg on Thursday, he maintained Moscow’s stance that Ukraine was the aggressor, and that Putin had no other choice but to send his forces in on February 24 to ‘de-Nazify’ the country.

Ukraine and the West say the fascist allegation is baseless and that the war is an unprovoked act of aggression. The far-right enjoys scant support in the country, and president Volodymyr Zelensky is himself Jewish.

In an attempt to justify the Nazi slur against the country, Lavrov has previously made the absurd claim that Adolf Hitler himself was Jewish.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov taunted British leaders on Thursday over their response to the war in Ukraine in an interview with the BBC. The Kremlin official, a long-time ally of president Vladimir Putin insisted Russia is 'not ashamed of showing who we are' when confronted over his country's war crimes

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov taunted British leaders on Thursday over their response to the war in Ukraine in an interview with the BBC. The Kremlin official, a long-time ally of president Vladimir Putin insisted Russia is ‘not ashamed of showing who we are’ when confronted over his country’s war crimes

When asked by Rosenberg about Russia’s rock-bottom relationship with Britain – which is on Moscow’s list of unfriendly countries – Lavrov said there was no longer any ‘room for manoeuvre’.

‘Both Johnson and Truss say openly that we should defeat Russia, we should force Russia to its knees. Go on, then, do it!’ he taunted. Britain has supplied Ukraine with weapons and economic support.

Truss said last month that Putin was humiliating himself with his invasion, and said: ‘we must ensure he faces a defeat in Ukraine’.

He said that Britain was ‘once again sacrificing the interests of its people for the sake of political ambitions’.

Rosenberg pressed Lavrov on the death sentences handed down by the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) to two British prisoners of war – Shaun Pinner, 48, from Bedfordshire, and Aiden Aslin, 28, originally from Newark.

Britain argues that Mr Aslin and Mr Pinner are legitimate members of the Ukrainian army and should be treated as prisoners of war.

But the two men – along with a third fighter from Morocco – were accused of being mercenaries after fighting with Ukrainian troops and sentenced to death last week.

Lavrov said he was ‘not interested in the eyes of the West at all. I am only interested in international law. According to international law, mercenaries are not recognised as combatants.’

He then accused the BBC of not reporting on the ‘truth’ of what was happening in eastern Ukraine prior to the February invasion, where Moscow claims Kyiv – without evidence – was carrying out genocide against Russian speaking people.

Rosenberg told Lavrov the BBC had requested access to the region on multiple occasions over a six-year period, since pro-Russian separatists began waging a war against Kyiv in 2014. The British broadcaster was refused access each time, he said.

Britain's Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (pictured last month at Downing Street) said last month that Putin was humiliating himself with his invasion, and said: 'we must ensure he faces a defeat in Ukraine'. Lavrov taunted Britain to 'Go on, then, do it!' in his Thursday interview

Britain’s Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (pictured last month at Downing Street) said last month that Putin was humiliating himself with his invasion, and said: ‘we must ensure he faces a defeat in Ukraine’. Lavrov taunted Britain to ‘Go on, then, do it!’ in his Thursday interview

The BBC reporter posited that if Genocide had taken place, the DPR would want to give access to foreign reporters so that the truth could be revealed.

‘I don’t know,’ Lavrov responded.

Despite Russia’s armies having been in Ukraine for 16 weeks, during which tens of thousands of Ukrainian civilians have been killed in indiscriminate attacks, Lavrov insisted to Rosenberg Moscow ‘didn’t invade Ukraine’.

‘We declared a special military operation because we had absolutely no other way of explaining to the West that dragging Ukraine into NATO was a criminal act,’ he told the veteran reporter, who is known for his forensic questioning of Russian officials.

Lavrov repeated the unsubstantiated claim that Russia is ‘de-Nazifying the country.

Rosenberg presented Lavrov of reports of atrocities carried out by Russian soldiers. In one example, the reporter told Lavrov about 360 residents of a village in the Chernihiv region who were forced to stay in the basement of a school for 28 days.

The group included 74 children and people with disabilities. 10 elderly people died during the stay in the basement that had no toilet facilities or running water.

‘Is that fighting Nazis?’ Rosenberg asked Lavrov. The Foreign Minister described the scenario as a ‘great pity’ but claimed such reports from the United Nations are often ‘fake news spread by the West.’

‘Russia is not squeaky clean. Russia is what it is. And we are not ashamed of showing who we are,’ he said.

Pictured: A grave digger prepares the ground for a funeral at a cemetery on April 21, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Lavrov insisted Russia has nothing to be ashamed of when confronted with war crimes carried out by its forces during Putin's invasion of Ukraine

Pictured: A grave digger prepares the ground for a funeral at a cemetery on April 21, 2022 in Irpin, Ukraine. Lavrov insisted Russia has nothing to be ashamed of when confronted with war crimes carried out by its forces during Putin’s invasion of Ukraine

Lavrov was questioned by the BBC's Russia Editor and veteran reporter, Steve Rosenberg (pictured), who is known for his forensic questioning of Russian officials - including Putin

Lavrov was questioned by the BBC’s Russia Editor and veteran reporter, Steve Rosenberg (pictured), who is known for his forensic questioning of Russian officials – including Putin

The interview came as the UK’s chief of defence staff said Russia has already ‘strategically lost’ its war with Ukraine, suffering heavy losses and strengthening NATO.

‘This is a dreadful mistake by Russia. Russia will never take control of Ukraine,’ said Tony Radakin, the country’s highest-ranking military officer, adding it would emerge a ‘more diminished power’.

The admiral said Putin may achieve ‘tactical successes’ in the weeks to come, but had sacrificed a quarter of his country’s army power for ‘tiny’ gains and was running out of troops and high-tech missiles. ‘Russia is failing,’ he said.

The European Commission will meet Friday to give its fast-tracked opinion on Ukraine’s bid for EU candidacy, a step closer to membership for the country a day after the bloc’s most powerful leaders visited Kyiv as it battles Russia’s invasion.

Never before has an opinion been given so quickly on EU candidacy, which must be approved by all 27 member states.

The opinion will serve as a basis for discussion at next week’s EU summit, where leaders are expected to approve Ukraine’s candidate status with strict conditions, though membership may take years or even decades.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz look on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky shakes hands with Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi as Romanian President Klaus Iohannis, France’s President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz look on June 16, 2022 in Kyiv, Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with business representatives on the development of the automobile industry on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, June 16, 2022

Russian President Vladimir Putin meets with business representatives on the development of the automobile industry on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, Thursday, June 16, 2022

A girl looks at her smartphone as she sits on a bench in front of residential buildings partially destroyed as a result of the shelling in town of Irpin, near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on June 16, 2022, as the Russian-Ukraine war enters its 113th day

A girl looks at her smartphone as she sits on a bench in front of residential buildings partially destroyed as a result of the shelling in town of Irpin, near the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv on June 16, 2022, as the Russian-Ukraine war enters its 113th day

France, Germany, Italy and Romania are in favour of Ukraine receiving ‘immediate’ candidate status, French President Emmanuel Macron said in Kyiv Thursday.

Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Italian premier Mario Draghi arrived in Ukraine by train and were joined by Romania’s President Klaus Iohannis before meeting Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been lobbying allies for support.

‘The most important message of our visit is that Italy wants Ukraine in the EU,’ Draghi said at a joint press conference.

Scholz said Ukraine ‘belongs in the European family’ and that Berlin would continue to send Kyiv weapons ‘for as long as it is needed’.

After meeting the visiting leaders, Zelensky said he explained ‘essential needs in the field of defence’.

‘We are expecting new deliveries, above all heavy weapons, modern artillery, anti-aircraft defence systems,’ he said, even as Macron said France would send six Caesar self-propelled howitzers to add to the 12 already deployed on Ukraine’s eastern front.

Zelensky promised Ukraine was ready to put in the work to become an EU member.

Meet Putin’s loyal attack dog: Gruff Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who was wheeled out to issue dire warnings of nuclear war, is a career civil servant who ‘bankrolled his secret mistress and owns property worth hundreds of millions of dollars’

By David Averre For Mailonline

Russia’s Foreign Minister, the gruff and sarcastic Sergey Lavrov, has become a notorious figure in recent months amid the invasion of Ukraine.

For many, Russia’s top diplomat likely represents Putin’s harbinger of doom, remarking in March that World War III will be ‘nuclear and destructive’ in a thinly-veiled threat to NATO and the West.

But although Lavrov is tasked with delivering his President’s messages to the world with a brutal, no-nonsense style seldom associated with a negotiator, he is much more than just Putin’s mouthpiece.

The 72-year-old’s diplomatic career has spanned half a century, meaning the straight-talking senior has lived and worked through the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union – watching as his country’s relations with the West went from near-friendly to the brink of nuclear war and back again.

Like many top Russian officials and oligarchs, Lavrov became the target of personal sanctions implemented by the EU when relations plummeted to a new low as Russian tanks rolled across the Ukrainian border.

But he is thought to own hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of property and other assets, and a report published last year revealed that Russia’s No1 diplomat has bankrolled the careers and personal lives of a secret mistress and her friends and family to boot.

Russia's Foreign Minister, the gruff and sarcastic Sergey Lavrov, has become a notorious figure in recent months amid the invasion of Ukraine

Russia’s Foreign Minister, the gruff and sarcastic Sergey Lavrov, has become a notorious figure in recent months amid the invasion of Ukraine

For many, Russia's top diplomat likely represents Putin's harbinger of doom, delivering the President's messages to the world with a brutal, no-nonsense style seldom associated with a negotiator. But at age 71, Lavrov is more than just Putin's mouthpiece (Lavrov (L) pictured with Putin (R) in 2019)

For many, Russia’s top diplomat likely represents Putin’s harbinger of doom, delivering the President’s messages to the world with a brutal, no-nonsense style seldom associated with a negotiator. But at age 71, Lavrov is more than just Putin’s mouthpiece (Lavrov (L) pictured with Putin (R) in 2019)

His diplomatic career has spanned half a century, meaning the straight-talking senior has lived and worked through the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union - watching as his country's relations with the West went from near-friendly to the brink of nuclear war and back again (Lavrov pictured in 2000 as Russian ambassador to the UN)

His diplomatic career has spanned half a century, meaning the straight-talking senior has lived and worked through the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union – watching as his country’s relations with the West went from near-friendly to the brink of nuclear war and back again (Lavrov pictured in 2000 as Russian ambassador to the UN)

US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, at the 'Villa la Grange', Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Geneva, Switzerland. Amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Sergey Lavrov embodies the Kremlin's defiant posture as the country's top diplomat with a mixture of toughness and sarcasm

US President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, left, meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, at the ‘Villa la Grange’, Wednesday, June 16, 2021, in Geneva, Switzerland. Amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sergey Lavrov embodies the Kremlin’s defiant posture as the country’s top diplomat with a mixture of toughness and sarcasm

Lavrov has for years weathered endless waves of speculation that he was on the verge of retirement, instead becoming one of the longest-lasting members of Putin’s Cabinet and a perennial figure among a constantly churning cauldron of foreign counterparts.

The diplomat became Russia’s foreign minister in 2004, making the length of his tenure in the position second only to that of Dr. No – the infamous Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko – and prior to that served as Russia’s chief ambassador to the UN for 10 years.

Born in Moscow to a Russian mother and Armenian father in 1950, he began his diplomatic career back in 1972 after graduating from the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO), when he was dispatched to serve as lowly Soviet advisor in Sri Lanka.

But Lavrov excelled and by 1981 had been made a senior advisor at the Soviet mission to the UN in New York during one of the most intense periods in the Cold War.

A younger Lavrov was a far less serious character – he was among one of MGIMO’s keenest amateur dramatics enthusiasts, performing in various plays and sketches put on by the university, and was known for his love of chatting to journalists and putting on skits with fellow diplomats during his time as UN ambassador.

Those days are long gone, though

Since becoming foreign minister, Lavrov’s demeanour has steadily hardened and he now paints the picture of an impatient and irritable man who no longer enjoys his work and does not suffer fools easily.

In recent years his remarks directed at foreign counterparts have been derisive and laced with aggression, and he has developed a reputation for his angry diatribes at Western governments.

In 2008, Lavrov famously responded to a reprimand from then British Foreign Secretary David Miliband by snarling: ‘Who are you to (expletive) lecture me?’, and just last month snapped that talks with Liz Truss were like a ‘conversation between the deaf and the dumb’ before abandoning her at the dias.

Like his boss, Lavrov has tapped into broad public nostalgia for the country’s Soviet-era clout, and has often depicted the US as arrogant, conceited and bent on world domination, while dismissing the UK and European leaders as yes men obediently toeing Washington’s line.

And at age 71, Lavrov looks visibly bored by the daily routine of diplomacy.

He no longer bothers to hide his irritation at a naive or provocative question when sat in front of the media, often responding with an air of contempt or plain mockery, and harbours a particular distaste for photographers, showing clear annoyance at the clacking of camera shutters.

Russian Federation Ambassador Sergey Lavrov smokes while walking to a UN Security Council meeting about Iraq in November 1998. Before becoming the foreign minister, he served as Russia's ambassador to the United Nations for 10 years and was known for his enjoyment of chatting to the media and putting on skits with other diplomats

Russian Federation Ambassador Sergey Lavrov smokes while walking to a UN Security Council meeting about Iraq in November 1998. Before becoming the foreign minister, he served as Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations for 10 years and was known for his enjoyment of chatting to the media and putting on skits with other diplomats

Lavrov became Russia's foreign minister in 2004, making the length of his tenure in the position second only to that of infamous Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko - known as Dr. No - and prior to that served as Russia's chief ambassador to the UN for 10 years (pictured in 2010)

Lavrov became Russia’s foreign minister in 2004, making the length of his tenure in the position second only to that of infamous Soviet Foreign Minister Andrei Gromyko – known as Dr. No – and prior to that served as Russia’s chief ambassador to the UN for 10 years (pictured in 2010)

Like his boss, Lavrov has tapped into broad public nostalgia for the country's Soviet-era clout, and has often depicted the US as arrogant, conceited and bent on world domination, while contemptuously dismissing the UK and European leaders as yes men obediently toeing Washington's line

Like his boss, Lavrov has tapped into broad public nostalgia for the country’s Soviet-era clout, and has often depicted the US as arrogant, conceited and bent on world domination, while contemptuously dismissing the UK and European leaders as yes men obediently toeing Washington’s line

Lavrov just last month snapped that talks with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (L) were like a 'conversation between the deaf and the dumb' before abandoning her at the dias

Lavrov just last month snapped that talks with UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss (L) were like a ‘conversation between the deaf and the dumb’ before abandoning her at the dias

Outside of diplomacy, Lavrov has followed the example set by his boss and gone to great lengths to keep his personal life private.

But Russia’s top diplomat has been embroiled in a controversy surrounding a woman believed to be his longtime mistress, Svetlana Polyakova.

A report published last year by anti-corruption publication iStories and the official website of jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny alleged that Lavrov, who has been married since 1971 with a child and a pair of grandchildren, took Polyakova abroad more than 60 times on ‘diplomatic missions’ and bankrolled her luxury lifestyle.

Polyakova, who has held a position in the Russian Foreign Ministry since 2014, has travelled with Lavrov to France, Italy, Switzerland, Japan, Singapore, Portugal, Azerbaijan and Greece to name a few destinations, and used the foreign ministry’s plane frequently in the last eight years.

Some of the trips included luxury holidays and visits to opulent houses and yachts – among them a ship owned by oligarch Oleg Deripaska – with the couple, in some instances, joined by Polyakova’s mother, daughters, and niece.

Lavrov’s mistress has also engineered senior appointments for friends and family within the foreign ministry, appeared publicly alongside President Vladimir Putin and has been named among his elite entourage.

The report found that Polyakova was so close to the foreign minister that her contact information was often listed as ‘Svetlana Lavrova’ – with some government officials believing she was Lavrov’s wife.

The investigation also uncovered Polyakova’s extraordinary wealth and family properties across Russia and the UK worth $13.6billion.

The mistress also owns at least $545,000 in luxury cars, including a Mercedes worth around $250,000.

Though this is likely a paltry sum for Lavrov, who is thought to own hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of property and other assets.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (centre) reportedly took his millionaire mistress Svetlana Polyakova (right) abroad more than 60 times on 'diplomatic missions' and bankrolled her luxury lifestyle

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (centre) reportedly took his millionaire mistress Svetlana Polyakova (right) abroad more than 60 times on ‘diplomatic missions’ and bankrolled her luxury lifestyle

Polyakova appeared alongside Lavrov at St Sergius of Radonezh Russian orthodox church in December 2014 and has since shared an opulent lifestyle with the foreign minister

Polyakova appeared alongside Lavrov at St Sergius of Radonezh Russian orthodox church in December 2014 and has since shared an opulent lifestyle with the foreign minister

Little is known about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's wife Maria (left) and daughter Ekaterina (centre)

Little is known about Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s wife Maria (left) and daughter Ekaterina (centre)

The controversy surrounding Russia's top diplomat was revealed by anti-corruption publication iStories and the official website of Alexei Navalny, one of the Kremlin's most prominent critics who is currently in jail near Moscow

The controversy surrounding Russia’s top diplomat was revealed by anti-corruption publication iStories and the official website of Alexei Navalny, one of the Kremlin’s most prominent critics who is currently in jail near Moscow

In the present day, Lavrov is one of Russia’s most recognisable figures amid the conflict in Ukraine, delivering statements and justifications for Russia’s ‘special military operation’ while denouncing the actions of Western powers.

Yesterday, he was barred from flying to Geneva to attend a UN conference after European Union members banned Russian planes from their skies as part of bruising sanctions against Moscow.

Lavrov denounced what he called the ‘outrageous’ move in a video address to the UN session, accusing EU member states of ‘avoiding a candid face-to-face dialogue or direct contacts designed to help identify political solutions to pressing international issues.’

‘The West clearly has lost self-control in venting anger against Russia and has destroyed its own rules and institutions, including respect for private property,’ Lavrov raged.

‘It’s necessary to put an end to the arrogant Western philosophy of self-superiority, exclusivity and total permissiveness.’

But Western diplomats from dozens of nations walked out of the conference room as Lavrov’s message began to play, in effect saying ‘nyet’ to him and Russian diplomacy.

In the present day, Lavrov is one of Russia's most recognisable figures amid the conflict in Ukraine, delivering statements and justifications for Russia's 'special military operation' while denouncing the reactions of Western powers

In the present day, Lavrov is one of Russia’s most recognisable figures amid the conflict in Ukraine, delivering statements and justifications for Russia’s ‘special military operation’ while denouncing the reactions of Western powers

While both allies and adversaries may respect his professionalism, Lavrov has been criticised by some for toeing the Kremlin line rather than directing his own foreign policy.

Rex Tillerson reportedly said in 2017, while US secretary of state: ‘You cannot tango with Lavrov because he is not allowed to dance.’

Recent events have shown this to be the case, as Lavrov’s speeches and media addresses appear resemble more and more the echoes of Putin’s rhetoric.

Asked once what it takes to be a diplomat, Lavrov said the key qualities were being ‘erudite’ and having a good knowledge of history, adding that was important to understand the psychology and the positions of fellow negotiators across the table.

As the 50-year veteran of diplomacy moves into the final stages of his career, his counterparts are likely questioning whether Lavrov still subscribes to these ideas.

Tags: Liz Trusssergei lavrovUKukraine
Previous Post

Priti Patel approves Julian Assange’s extradition to US

Next Post

Africa needs austerity measures within the Government and Protection of Public Purse

RelatedStories

47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong
World News

47 advocates trail begins in Hong Kong

6 February, 2023.
50
Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed
Breaking News

Turkey and Syria earthquake: Over 120 people killed

6 February, 2023.
50
UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester
World News

UK Deputy Prime Minister is now being accused of bullying after allegedly assaulting an anti-Brexit protester

3 February, 2023.
50
Accra, GH
Tuesday, February 7, 2023
broken clouds
28 ° c
68%
12.91mh
78%
29 c 26 c
Wed
29 c 26 c
Thu
29 c 26 c
Fri
29 c 26 c
Sat
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Age 81, Cardinal George Pell passes away in Rome

Age 81, Cardinal George Pell passes away in Rome

11 January, 2023.
Andrew Tate arrives in handcuffs before the Romanian court to contest his detention

Andrew Tate arrives in handcuffs before the Romanian court to contest his detention

10 January, 2023.
We Have A More Robust Premix Fuel Management System – Hawa Koomson

Hawa Koomson takes over Agric Ministry

13 January, 2023.
Paris Hilton is now a mother via surrogate

Paris Hilton is now a mother via surrogate

25 January, 2023.
E/R:Residents blocking the road accuse Veep and Baafi of lying about the construction of the road

E/R:Residents blocking the road accuse Veep and Baafi of lying about the construction of the road

31 October, 2022.
NPP MPs are to boycott the budget reading if Ken Ofori -Atta is not sack immediately

Ofori-Atta to pensioners: “We need an IMF bailout in March or the economy would collapse.”

6 February, 2023.
Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

Spanish PM urges end to EU reliance on imported food, energy

6 February, 2023.
No Scottish parliament holding Independence Referendum -Supreme Court

SNP accidentally leaks Nicola Sturgeon’s bank account details

6 February, 2023.
Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

Turkey earthquake: Christian Atsu missing

6 February, 2023.
Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

Former Israeli PM: “Putin told me he wouldn’t assassinate Zelenskiy.

6 February, 2023.
Currently Playing
  • AdChoices
  • Advertise
  • About

© 2023 Nsemgh | All Rights Reserved.

No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • World News
  • Local News
  • Business
  • Entertainment
    • Religion
  • Technology
    • Architecture
    • Automobile
  • Features
    • Opinion
    • Announcement
    • Obituary
  • Health
  • Life Style
    • Fashion
  • Sports
    • World Sport
    • Local Sport
  • More
    • Radio
    • TV
    • Market

© 2023 Nsemgh | All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

*By registering, you agree to the Terms of Use, Community Guidelines and Privacy Policy.
All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
We use cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.