Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Saturday condemned Europe for blocking peaceful settlement of Ukraine crisis at the General Debate of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, which opened on Sept 22 in the New York City.
Lavrov noted that the efforts made by the West to defeat Russia will only harm themselves.
"Europe is doing everything to thwart a peaceful settlement and undermine the prospects for negotiations -- prospects in which many, including the Trump administration, are interested. The West continues to send weapons to Ukraine and help Kiev target civilian infrastructure and civilians with drones and missiles. The West aspires to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia, but these aspirations, as has happened many times in the past, will lead the warmongers into a strategic dead end," he said.
The foreign minister also called on the UN to take measures to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and its surrounding regions. He noted that restoring trust between Arab states and Iran is a prerequisite for handling the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf.
Additionally, Lavrov said Russia insists on the immediate release of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. He also urged the lifting of the maritime blockade against Cuba and the adoption of economic measures to improve the humanitarian situation in the country.
Russian FM condemns Europe for blocking peaceful settlement of Ukraine crisis
Poland is in talks with the United States to establish the first permanent U.S. military base on its territory and is seeking the deployment of around 15,000 American troops.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said on Thursday that Poland is working with the U.S. to set up the base. Warsaw hopes President Donald Trump will honor his commitment to maintain a reassuring military presence in Poland without making Russia feel threatened.
Bloomberg earlier reported that Polish President Karol Nawrocki said he hopes the base can be completed before Trump's term ends in 2029, and that Poland is prepared to name it "Fort Trump."
Trump said on September 17 that "major progress" had been made on establishing a permanent U.S. military base in Poland. He is seeking to shift the burden of defending Europe to other NATO member states.
On September 21, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Stanislaw Wziatek said Poland is seeking the deployment of about 15,000 U.S. troops -- roughly 4,000 to 5,000 stationed at the permanent base and another 10,000 to 11,000 deployed on a rotational basis. The U.S. troop presence in Poland will be expanded in phases, with the target expected to be reached by 2039.
Earlier in September, a U.S. delegation led by Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Thomas DiNanno visited Poland for talks on potential sites for the permanent U.S. military base.
The United States was also conducting a six-month review of its military presence in Europe, which is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
According to data compiled by the U.S.-based Council on Foreign Relations, tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel are stationed in Germany, Poland, Italy and other European countries.
Poland seeks permanent US base, aims to host 15,000 American troops
