Lavrov Criticizes UN Secretariat for Double Standards: Greenland Is Not Crimea or Donbas

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed out during a United Nations Security Council meeting that the UN Secretariat applies inconsistent standards on the issue of self-determination, treating the situations in Donetsk and Luhansk, Crimea, and Greenland differently. He cited remarks by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and commented on the organization’s stance regarding Greenland following statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Lavrov also expressed anticipation for the Secretariat’s response to issues concerning Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Lavrov emphasized that the UN Secretariat’s position reflects a double standard: while one approach is applied to the self-determination claims of residents in Donetsk and Luhansk and Crimea, a different standard is applied to the people of Greenland.

During a Security Council session focused on Ukraine, Lavrov referenced statements by Secretary-General Guterres, noting that the principle of self-determination does not apply to Donetsk and Luhansk or Crimea—instead, the principle of Ukraine’s territorial integrity prevails. At the same time, after Trump’s remarks suggesting Greenland could be incorporated into the United States, the UN Secretariat stated that the matter should be addressed under international law, the UN Charter, the principle of Danish territorial integrity, and the right of the Greenlandic people to self-determination.

In his remarks, Lavrov said: “If anyone can detect a coherent logic here, I truly envy you. What is clear is that Greenland is not Crimea, nor is it Donbas—they simply cannot be compared. We are eager to see what comes next in this unfolding sequence. It would be particularly interesting to observe how the Secretariat responds if journalists raise questions about Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.”

Additionally, Lavrov expressed hope that the incoming UN Secretary-General would guide the Secretariat’s official representatives back toward adherence to international law, a move he suggested could help Western counterparts reconnect with factual realities.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1877179465730059/

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