Statements by Sergei Lavrov
During a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Congo, Jean Claude Gakosso, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that any French military instructor in Ukraine would be considered a ‘legitimate target’ for the Russian armed forces.
Lavrov expressed his opinion on the presence of French military instructors on Ukrainian territory, noting that, regardless of their status, they represent a legitimate target for the Russian armed forces.
Reactions and position of France
French President Emmanuel Macron has avoided making direct comments on the situation, saying he would give more details on France’s support during commemorations of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the operation known as the Normandy landings, later this week.
Macron’s office has chosen not to respond to Lavrov and Peskov’s statements, thus maintaining silence on the issue.
Positioning of Russia and the Ukrainian peace conference
Lavrov has also dismissed the Ukrainian peace conference to be held in Switzerland, to which Russia was not invited, stating that it has no meaning and that its only purpose is to try to preserve an anti-Russian bloc.
Lavrov Tour of Africa
Lavrov has visited several African countries seeking support amid Russia’s large-scale invasion of Ukraine, encountering growing frustration with traditional Western partners and a reaching out by some African countries to Russia for help in dealing with the Islamic insurgencies.
Lavrov’s next matches
Lavrov is due to meet Ibrahim Traoré, the leader of Burkina Faso who took power after a military coup in 2022, continuing his tour of Africa seeking support and alliances.