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Sergey Lavrov on September 11: memories, consequences for the world and lessons of unipolarity — interview with RBC

Главный редактор — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 12:43:22 +0000

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s interview with the RBC television channel for a documentary marking the anniversary of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, Moscow, September 11, 2026

Question: September 11, 2001, fell on a Tuesday. The working day had only just begun. The clock read 8:45 AM when the first aircraft struck the World Trade Centre. How did you learn about these events? Where were you at that time? What was your immediate personal reaction?

Sergey Lavrov: I was in my office. The office of the Permanent Representative to the United Nations is a soundproofed room, equipped with specialised apparatus around the perimeter designed to suppress any sound, ensuring that nothing “escapes” the room. I walked to work, arriving at approximately 9 AM. Overnight, dispatches had arrived from Moscow – telegrams and information from across the globe, as all the world’s issues are debated in New York. There was an immense volume of telegrams from our ambassadors in those regions currently under consideration by the United Nations Security Council. My routine was always to sit at my desk. To the right of it stood a television set. I would switch it on to a news channel – at that time, it was CNN. The sound was muted. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed an aircraft collide with a skyscraper and explode. My initial thought, at 9 AM, was that they were broadcasting some horror film. I carried on working, but something lingered in my mind. I began watching more closely and then understood the reality of what was unfolding. I wished to make a call to my mother in Moscow – the internal communications system within the Mission was functioning, but the landline was already out of service. I seized my mobile, dashed out into the street, and hurried around Manhattan in search of a signal, which finally appeared after one or two kilometres. I managed to reach my mother. Then I returned.

We began looking into the situation – whether any action needed to be taken. The Russian Consul General in New York was ascertaining whether any of our compatriots were present in the Twin Towers. Incidentally, the towers were located in the southernmost part of Manhattan; the Mission building was five or six kilometres away, yet the acrid smoke reached us with swiftness – within an hour or two.

Question: Were you not afraid to venture outside afterwards?

Sergey Lavrov: Not at all. I always walked both to and from work. In the evenings, it was pleasant to observe how, on the pavements – as we now have in Moscow – tables were set out, and people enjoyed wine or coffee. There was invariably a warm atmosphere.

After September 11, I passed those same little restaurants; the tables remained, but the entire mood had changed – people were glancing nervously over their shoulders, a great deal had altered. President Vladimir Putin telephoned then-US President George W. Bush and affirmed that we stood with them. Subsequently, an appropriate resolution was adopted in the UN Security Council.

Question: We have spoken about public assistance. Twenty-five years have passed. Was there any non-public assistance extended by Russia to America that can now be disclosed?

Sergey Lavrov: The Russia – NATO Council, which had already been established by that time, endorsed an entire programme concerning Afghanistan. Our helicopters were made available for the use of the international coalition. Intelligence data were shared. There were also “sapper” initiatives. The Russia – NATO Council possessed a comprehensive multi-page plan regarding Afghanistan.

Question: How did international relations evolve as a consequence of these events? What does this signify for you? In your view, what was the gravest error in the new order?

Sergey Lavrov: Relations deteriorated. Firstly, the United States exploited this international solidarity and the resolution which authorised its military operation and the establishment of an international coalition not so much to combat terrorism as to pursue its own geopolitical objectives and to broaden its presence and sway.

This trend subsequently manifested itself in a number of other theatres. Prior to Afghanistan, there was Yugoslavia – an unprovoked act of aggression and the senseless destruction of a sovereign state. Afghanistan was followed by Iraq, where, after the invasion, all the structures of the Ba’ath Party were dissolved. All the army officers – all of them members of Ba’ath Party – were left to their own devices. They began forming what later became ISIS.

Then came Libya, which was utterly destroyed. It was arguably the most prosperous country at the time. Everything from petrol to education was free of charge there. For fifteen years now, efforts have been underway to put it back together, with no clear end in sight.

Then there was Georgia. There was Ukraine, which we also discussed. Regrettably, this was an attempt by the unipolar world to cling to the course of historical processes. This will persist for a considerable time. This is an entire epoch.

Question: Summing up the events of September 11, 2001, how would you describe – in a single sentence – what actually happened in New York on that day?

Sergey Lavrov: I am not inclined towards conspiracy theories. I am aware of them. I have heard my fill of similar conjectures, including those about the Moon landing. Yet, on a purely practical level, an enormous number of individuals would have had to be involved. I cannot accept that with Americans – from whom everything “leaks” – nothing would ever have surfaced in the public domain.

Regarding the alliances assembled by the United States… You mentioned Pax Silica and artificial intelligence… As if to say, “We are against you, and must do all we can to ensure our numbers prevail and to overwhelm our competitors.” Consider the Board of Peace that US President Donald Trump established, placing himself at its helm, regardless of the office he may hold. He is inviting people to join, though thus far outcomes have been meagre. The initiative is failing even regarding the Gaza Strip – Israel does not want it. Donald Trump also faces difficulties with his NATO partners: with Canada, and with Denmark over Greenland. He tells many others that they simply fail to understand anything. The urge to lead and act as a “unipolar power” is deeply ingrained in the American character.

We maintain dialogue with them. We engage with all who approach us. This does not signify that we agree with everyone on every issue. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have both always maintained that they are ready to listen to each other, without any preconditions. This is the essence of politics and the essence of diplomacy.

Alongside these frameworks, which are being advanced with varying degrees of success, we will continue to work within the United Nations, as well as in the CSTO, the CIS, and the EAEU. These are our immediate neighbours. We have achieved tangible results there. On the global stage, the SCO and BRICS represent promising groups, attracting an ever-increasing array of countries from the most disparate corners of the world.

Сообщение Sergey Lavrov on September 11: memories, consequences for the world and lessons of unipolarity — interview with RBC появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On the meeting of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Vershinin with the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Moscow A.Nofal

Главный редактор — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 19:35:52 +0000

On August 13, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Vershinin received the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Moscow, Abdelhafiz Nofal, at his request.

During the conversation, the main focus was on the situation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict zone, with an emphasis on the situation in the Gaza Strip.

The Russian side confirmed its readiness to continue political and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the bloodshed as soon as possible. The unwavering position in support of a just settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on a well-known international legal basis, providing for the creation of an independent Palestinian State within the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security with Israel, was noted.

Some topical issues of bilateral cooperation were also discussed.

source https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/2041466/

Сообщение On the meeting of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Sergey Vershinin with the Ambassador of the State of Palestine in Moscow A.Nofal появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On the participation of Ambassador of Russia to Israel in the divine service at the Gethsemane Convent

Главный редактор — Sun, 20 Jul 2025 20:30:55 +0000

On July 18, in Jerusalem, Ambassador of Russia to Israel Anatoly Viktorov took part in a service in memory of the Holy Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara.

In the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane, the liturgy was led by Head of the Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Archimandrite Roman (Krasovsky), who was assisted by Deputy Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Moscow Patriarchate, Hegumen Nikon (Golovko). The service was attended by the clergy of both Missions, the abbesses and sisters of the Gethsemane, Spaso-Voznesensky and Gornensky monasteries, as well as pilgrims in holy orders.

Anatoly Viktorov congratulated the abbess of the Gethsemane Monastery of St. Magdalene, Abbess Elizabeth (Shmelts), on her Angel Day. Emphasized that to this day the monastery remains a place of support, acceptance, love and unity around the Orthodox faith for numerous sisters and pilgrims in the Holy Land.

In 1888, Grand Duchess Elizabeth Romanova attended the consecration of the Church of St. Mary Magdalene on the Mount of Olives, built in memory of Empress Maria Romanova. In 1921, the remains of the Grand Duchess and her companion, nun Varvara, were transferred to the Gethsemane Convent.

https://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/photo/meropriyatiya_v_zagran_uchrezdeniyah/2037045/

Сообщение On the participation of Ambassador of Russia to Israel in the divine service at the Gethsemane Convent появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in Syria

Главный редактор — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 07:23:36 +0000

The situation in the Syrian Arab Republic has deteriorated dramatically in the past few days.

On July 13, armed clashes flared up between units of a Druze community and Bedouin tribes in the Suwayda Governorate, southern Syria. After that, the Syrian Defence and Interior Ministries deployed their military units in the governorate’s administrative centre. Dozens of people, including civilians, were killed during intensive armed clashes involving law enforcement agencies and local paramilitary units. Ceasefire agreements were reportedly announced on July 16.

These developments were accompanied by intensive Israeli air strikes on Syrian territory; according to the Israeli side, the strikes aimed to protect Syria’s Druze community. The southern region and the Syrian capital were also hit. The strikes targeted government agencies, including buildings of the Defence Ministry and the Presidential Palace in Damascus. Fatalities are reported, and many people have been injured.

A new spiral of violence in Syria evokes deep concern. The Russian side is particularly alarmed in connection with unacceptable brutal attacks on civilians. We assume that encroachments on the life and security of civilians are unacceptable. Moscow hopes that the implementation of planned de-escalation measures will help scale down tensions and reliably stabilise the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. We are convinced that this objective can be accomplished through dialogue, by strengthening national accord and respecting the rights of all representatives and communities of the multi-denominational Syrian society.

The Russian side has repeatedly assessed Israel’s arbitrary military operations in Syria. These attacks flagrantly violate the sovereignty of the country and the norms of international law and should be resolutely condemned. Moscow reaffirms its consistent position regarding the need to respect the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic.

According to incoming reports, no Russian citizens were injured during armed clashes and air strikes. Guaranteeing the safety of all Russian citizens remains a top priority.

source https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/2036513/

Сообщение Foreign Ministry statement on the situation in Syria появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On the visit of the Russian Ambassador to Armenia S.P.Kopyrkin to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran

Главный редактор — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 13:55:06 +0000

On July 1, Russian Ambassador Sergey Kopyrkin visited the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran to leave an entry in the book of condolences opened in memory of the victims of the attacks by the United States and Israel.

source https://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/photo/meropriyatiya_v_zagran_uchrezdeniyah/2033685/

Сообщение On the visit of the Russian Ambassador to Armenia S.P.Kopyrkin to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from the Moscow Kremlin Putin television programme, Moscow, June 22, 2025

Главный редактор — Sun, 22 Jun 2025 08:58:03 +0000

Question: In your view, why isn’t the Western world actively condemning air strikes on Iran, and even seems to praise Israel for doing this “dirty work”, as they put it?

Sergey Lavrov: That’s the kind of thing only the most cynical voices say. Others claim that Israel has a right to defend itself, just as President of France Emmanuel Macron put it.

Defend itself from what, exactly? If every country is allowed to interpret the UN Charter’s provision on the right to self-defence as it sees fit, claiming the right applies whenever and however it chooses, without regard for the UN Charter, then that’s no longer a global order; that’s complete chaos. As President Vladimir Putin said earlier today, World War III may no longer be a distant prospect.

The West’s intention to use Ukraine against Russia is no longer concealed. Russia is being demonised, and even the term ‘demonised’ doesn’t fully capture the feral aggression we see in both rhetoric and actions. The female members of the European Commission stand out in particular. That’s regrettable.

As President Putin said in his address at the plenary session of the 28th St Petersburg International Economic Forum and in other remarks, these are our neighbours. We have no intention of cutting ourselves off from them. But they must change their behaviour. Then we’ll see what they bring to the table . No more vague promises about shared human values or a common space from the Atlantic to the Pacific. It’s laughable to talk about that now.

They have completely discredited themselves, especially in sacrificing the interests of their own populations, as President Putin also pointed out today, by almost entirely rejecting Russian energy resources and turning a blind eye to the terrorist attack on the Nord Stream pipelines. All of this has cost hundreds of billions of euros and has directly affected the wellbeing of their people.

What is happening in Europe now – its economy and the social sphere in EU countries – are a clear reflection of this. They’re trying to maintain this aggression out of inertia, just to keep their populations in check. That’s the reality. The West – Europe in particular – has revealed its true face time and again. We are witnessing yet another such moment.

https://www.mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/2029093/?lang=en

Сообщение Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from the Moscow Kremlin Putin television programme, Moscow, June 22, 2025 появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On holding a state reception in Israel on the occasion of Russia Day

Редактор — Sat, 14 Jun 2025 12:00:01 +0000

On June 12, at the residence of the Russian Ambassador to Israel A.D.Viktorov inA state reception was held in Herzliya on the occasion of Russia Day.

The Minister of Social Equality and Advancement of Women of Israel, M. Golan, attended the event as the main guest of honor.

In his speech, A.D.Viktorov, in particular, noted that over more than a thousand years of history, our country has become home to many peoples, made outstanding geographical discoveries, launched the space age of mankind, and presented the world with brilliant scientists, artists, and writers. He emphasized that Russian foreign policy is peaceful, open, predictable and pragmatic, based on the desire for equal international cooperation. At the same time, he pointed out that Russia would not allow direct threats to the security and sovereignty of the country to remain on its borders, and would continue to achieve all the goals of the special military operation in Ukraine. He stressed that the solid foundation of cooperation between Russia and Israel laid over the past decades makes it possible to look forward to the future with optimism. He recalled that this year our two countries celebrated the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory, the main event of modern history, on a large scale and solemnly. He expressed confidence that it is impossible to achieve sustainable peace and stability in the Middle East region without ending the bloodshed, solving humanitarian problems and a political and diplomatic settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

About 300 guests participated. Among them are Deputy Director General of the Israeli Foreign Ministry Yu.Fuchs and O.Yosef, the head of the State Protocol of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, G. Haskel, as well as several heads of the bureau of the Israeli Foreign Ministry, the head of the Nativ organization, A. Shoham, representatives of the Knesset, Israeli ministries and departments, the Coordinating Council of Organizations of Russian-speaking Compatriots of Israel, the Israeli Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian universities, business and academic circles, veterans and compatriots movements, political and public figures, and journalists.

Ambassadors, diplomats and representatives of the military attaches of twenty-nine friendly states, UN staff, mayors of Israeli cities, as well as the Honorary Consul General of the Russian Federation in the Northern District A.Safiya were present.

Russians Russian Orthodox Church’s reception was attended by His Beatitude Theophilus III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, Sheikh M. Tarif, spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, the leadership of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and the Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, and representatives and clerics of other local churches.

With the support of the Moscow Government, a performance of the Folk song Ensemble “Lyubo-Milo” was organized. The songs in Russian and Hebrew were also performed by the winner of international music competitions, fourteen-year-old Israeli S.Kopteva.

The full text of the speech by A.D.Viktorov can be found at the following links: in Russian, in English.

source: https://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/photo/meropriyatiya_v_zagran_uchrezdeniyah/2026203/

Сообщение On holding a state reception in Israel on the occasion of Russia Day появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

Due to the sharp escalation of the situation in the Middle East

Редактор — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 16:00:47 +0000

Due to the sharp escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, we urge Russian citizens to refrain from traveling to Israel and Iran – until the situation stabilizes, if possible, urgently leave unsafe areas.

Those in the conflict zone should exercise maximum caution and take personal security measures: do not approach military installations, avoid crowded places (shopping malls, transport, etc.). Strictly follow the instructions of local authorities, and go to shelters/shelters in case of danger.

Carefully monitor the messages/warnings of Russian foreign institutions, airlines, and tour operators. If necessary, contact the emergency telephone numbers of the Russian Embassy (in Israel: + 972 54 962 23 41 , in Iran: + 98 21 6670-1161/63 ).

source: https://mid.ru/ru/foreign_policy/news/2025937/

Сообщение Due to the sharp escalation of the situation in the Middle East появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On the meeting of the Russian Ambassador to Israel with the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel

Редактор — Wed, 21 May 2025 15:30:47 +0000

On May 21, Russian Ambassador Alexander Viktorov held a working meeting with Deputy Director General of the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs A. Weissbrod.

The sides exchanged views on a number of pressing international and regional issues, including the activities of UN agencies, peacekeeping and humanitarian missions.

Alexander Viktorov confirmed Russia’s unwavering and principled position as a permanent member of the UN Security Council in defense of the norms and principles of the Charter of this universal world Organization.

It was agreed to continue contacts.

source: https://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/photo/meropriyatiya_v_zagran_uchrezdeniyah/2018847/

Сообщение On the meeting of the Russian Ambassador to Israel with the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel появились сначала на embassylife.ru.

On the participation of the Russian Ambassador to Israel in the event at the Yad Vashem complex

Редактор — Tue, 20 May 2025 10:45:29 +0000

On May 19, Russian Ambassador to Israel A.D. Viktorov took part in the opening ceremony of the stele of Heroism on the territory of the Yad Vashem Museum and Memorial complex, dedicated to the Day of Salvation and Liberation, which is celebrated on 26 Iyar according to the Jewish calendar and corresponds to May 9.

The event was organized under the auspices of the International Charitable Foundation STMEGI.

In his speech, A.D. Viktorov noted that the death and violation of the human dignity of Jews during the Second World War was a cynical crime of the Nazis. He pointed out the importance of preserving the truth about that period, including examples of the heroism of Jewish soldiers shown in the ranks of the Red Army and Allied troops, partisan detachments, during uprisings in concentration camps and ghettos created by the Nazis. He stressed that in the year of the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War, one should remember the decisive contribution of the soldiers and commanders of the Red Army to the defeat of Nazi Germany and the end of the Holocaust. He pointed out that of the 6 million victims of the Holocaust, about half were Soviet citizens.

He expressed gratitude to the leadership of Yad Vashem and the State of Israel for their policy of preserving and respecting the common historical memory.

He noted the willingness to jointly continue to fight attempts to distort the events and outcomes of World War II, as well as to bring the truth about that time to the younger generation in Russia, Israel and around the world.

The event was attended by Chairman of Yad Vashem D.Dayan, Chairman of the Yad Vashem Public Council I.M.Lau, President of the International Charitable Foundation STMEGI, Vice-President of the Russian Jewish Congress G.R.Zakharyaev, Acting President of the Russian Jewish Congress A.Y.Getsis, Chairman of the Our Home – Israel party A.Lieberman, Knesset deputies, heads of mayors of a number of Israeli cities, as well as public associations of World War II veterans, defenders and residents of besieged Leningrad who survived the Holocaust.

source: https://www.mid.ru/ru/press_service/photo/meropriyatiya_v_zagran_uchrezdeniyah/2018669/

Сообщение On the participation of the Russian Ambassador to Israel in the event at the Yad Vashem complex появились сначала на embassylife.ru.