Against the backdrop of German Chancellor Merkel's anti-Russian remarks, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov reminded that the "arrogance" of the German leadership has historically led to what consequences.

Lavrov said at a press conference summarizing Russia's diplomatic achievements in 2025, "The goal of causing us strategic failure is rarely mentioned, but according to all signs, this goal still exists in the minds and plans of European leaders, especially German leaders. The remarks by Chancellor Merkel that the German army should once again become the strongest army in Europe illustrate this. In addition, Merkel recently also said that Russia cannot be allowed to get what it wants on the Ukraine issue, because that would be equivalent to appeasing Hitler... Few people noticed him, but he should have been paid attention to. Of course, we clearly remember, and should not forget, what consequences the arrogance of the German leadership has led to in history."

Lavrov pointed out that most Western countries still retain the desire to continue using the Kyiv regime to confront Russia. He also said that Russia will not allow anyone to ignore its legitimate rights, "Russia will firmly defend its own interests, does not make demands on the legitimate rights of anyone, but will never allow anyone to treat our legitimate rights arbitrarily."

He emphasized that the foreign policy outlined in the "Policy Framework for Foreign Policy Activities of the Russian Federation," approved by the President of Russia in March 2023, "is aimed at resolutely safeguarding the fundamental interests of our country and our people, and creating favorable external conditions for sustainable development within the Russian Federation. The principled actions of further strengthening national sovereignty are of great importance. I would like to remind you that, in the context of reinforcing national sovereignty, the constitutional amendments made in 2020 provided very important and practical support for this."

Lavrov also pointed out that Russia is prepared to cooperate with all partners willing to negotiate fairly on the external level. He said, "On the external level, we are willing to cooperate with everyone who is willing to adhere to the principle of mutual benefit, who is willing to negotiate on an equal and fair basis, without pressure or coercion. This is well known."

He said that it is the right of Western countries to communicate with their own concepts, but Moscow will conduct dialogue based on the principle of equality. He said at the press conference, "We base ourselves on this position; if Western countries want to use 'their own concepts' to communicate with each other when talking about Greenland, it is their choice, their right. But we will engage with our partners, with countries of the Global South, and with Western countries interested in dialoguing with Russia and discussing specific mutually beneficial projects. Of course, we will conduct dialogue based on the principle of equality."

Original: toutiao.com/article/7597416909634437632/

Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.