Russian Foreign Minister Denies Targeting Civilians, Claims Peace Hindered by Europe

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on August 24, appeared on the U.S. NBC program Meet the Press. Facing repeated questioning from the host, Lavrov insisted that Russian forces have “never deliberately targeted civilians,” denying accusations of bombing schools, hospitals, and factories.

In the interview, Lavrov avoided the term “invasion,” claiming the operations were aimed at “protecting Russian-speaking populations in border regions,” and blamed Ukraine and European countries for obstructing peace. He also stated that proposed talks between Putin and Zelensky and a potential trilateral summit suggested by Trump were “completely unprepared.” U.S. Vice President JD Vance noted that Russia, for the first time, expressed willingness to recognize Ukraine’s territorial integrity and guarantee Kyiv can maintain an independent government with security assurances.

The Russia–Ukraine war has lasted over two years, and Russia has repeatedly been accused internationally of violating humanitarian law and targeting civilian facilities. Under Trump, negotiations were actively promoted, planning for direct meetings between Russian and Ukrainian leaders, but positions remain rigid. Lavrov’s public interview signals Moscow’s attempt to use American media to convey its stance and test the new U.S. administration’s approach.