On June 6, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov delivered a speech on the occasion of "Russian Language Day," which coincides with the birthday of Pushkin and is celebrated worldwide.
Lavrov stated that protecting and supporting people whose native language is Russian is a "non-negotiable priority" for Russia, and that Russia will firmly resist all forms of linguistic discrimination and Russophobia.
He further emphasized that Russia is determined to restore all rights to Russian-speaking communities and ethnic Russians who have suffered from the "open terrorist actions" carried out by the so-called "neo-Nazi Kyiv regime."
Lavrov’s address on "Russian Language Day"—marking Pushkin’s birthday—was a carefully orchestrated diplomatic statement. It elevated the issue of language from a cultural matter to a central focus in international political maneuvering. At its core, it can be summarized as: positioning the "protection of rights for Russian speakers abroad" as a political precondition for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict, using this as a banner to counter Western narrative frameworks.
By directly linking "linguistic discrimination" with "Russophobia," Lavrov’s move carries multiple strategic intentions:
It portrays Russia as a victim, helping to offset international accusations of aggression, and attempting to gain a moral high ground.
It provides legal and ethical justification for intervening in other countries under the pretext of "protecting compatriots."
It calls not only against Ukraine but against any location worldwide, aiming to counter Western global influence.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867250874102796/
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