Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov: ‘The World Will Be Different’ When The Ukraine Conflict Ends

Sergey Lavrov speaks during a joint news conference in Bujumbura, Burundi, May 30, 2023 © AP / Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service  

RT: ‘The world will be different’ when the Ukraine conflict ends – Lavrov to RT 

Russia will trust nobody else to guarantee its security once the goals of the special military operation have been achieved, the foreign minister said 

By the time the conflict in Ukraine is resolved, Kiev will have accepted the loss of its former territories, and Western-led globalization will be dead, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told RT Arabic on Friday. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Lavrov described the West’s proxy war with Russia as “a geopolitical conflict,” in which the US was attempting to eliminate a powerful competitor and “preserve its hegemonic position by all means.”  

Read more .... 

Update: Lavrov Outlines New World Emerging From West's 'Geopolitical War' on Russia (Sputnik).  

WNU Editor: Both sides have lost each other .... West ‘has lost’ Russia at this point in time — Lavrov (TASS).

Russian President Putin Approves New Foreign Policy Doctrine

Putin holds an online meeting of Russia's Security Council on 31 March 2023. [The Kremlin website]  

RT: Putin approves new foreign policy doctrine 

The strategic document places a heavy emphasis on the Western “hybrid war” against Russia 

President Vladimir Putin has signed an updated version of Russia's foreign policy doctrine, a key strategic document which outlines the principles, goals and priorities of the country's international diplomacy. 

The new document features a focus on Western efforts to undermine Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict. Putin explained that the key document had to be altered due to “drastic changes” in the international landscape.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Here is the full text of Russia's new foreign policy doctrine .... Full Text: Russia's New Foreign Policy Concept (Sputnik). 

Russian President Putin Approves New Foreign Policy Doctrine  

Russia’s updated Foreign Policy Concept does not contain Ukraine-related paragraph -- TASS  

Foreign Policy Concept invites countries to ally with Russia, expert says -- TASS  

New foreign policy concept allows Russia to hold preventive attacks, says military analyst -- TASS  

New foreign policy concept lays out Russia’s right to repel attack on its territory -- TASS  

Policy doctrine casts Russia as distinct civilization, aims to end US dominance -- TASS  

Russia’s move to update foreign policy marks new round of cold war with US — expert -- TASS  

Russia seeks to balance US, meet 'existential threats' in new foreign policy doctrine -- Reuters  

Russia adopts new anti-West foreign policy strategy -- DW  

Russia seeks to meet ‘existential threats’ in new foreign policy doctrine -- Euractiv  

Russia lists US as its main security threat in new foreign policy doctrine -- CNN

Russian Foreign Minister Draws Parallels Between The Ukraine War And The Cuban Missile Crisis

Lavrov says he hopes US President Joe Biden has the wisdom to deal with a global confrontation similar to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, in reference to Moscow's war on Ukraine [File: Evgenia Novozhenina via AFP]  

Al Jazeera: Lavrov draws parallels between Ukraine war, Cuban missile crisis  

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says there are ‘similarities’ to the Cuban crisis, mainly because Russia is now threatened by Western weapons in Ukraine. 

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he hopes US President Joe Biden has the wisdom to deal with a global confrontation similar to the 1962 Cuban missile crisis, referencing the war on Ukraine. 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has triggered the biggest hostilities between Moscow and the West since the Cuban crisis, when the Soviet Union and United States came close to a nuclear war.  

Read more ....  

Update: Russia's Lavrov needles Biden over Cuban missile crisis and Ukraine (Reuters).  

WNU Editor: I remember my father telling me that during the Cuban missile crisis he was certain that there would be a nuclear war between the USSR and the United States. 

We are not there yet. But the trend lines are very worrisome on where this current conflict is heading.

Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov Sees No Reason To Maintain Russia's Current Diplomatic Presence In Western Countries

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov © Sputnik / Russian Foreign Ministry 

TASS: No point for Russia to maintain previous diplomatic presence in the West, Lavrov says  

The Russian foreign minister recalled that many Russian diplomats, due to the Russophobic policy of the West, stopped their business trips abroad ahead of schedule 

MOSCOW, October 18. /TASS/. There is no point in maintaining the previous diplomatic presence in Western states, Russian diplomats work there in conditions that can hardly be called human, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said, speaking to college graduates admitted for diplomatic service for the first time. 

"There is neither point nor desire to maintain the previous presence in Western states. Our people work there in conditions that can hardly be called human. Problems are being created constantly for them; they face threats of physical assaults. And, most importantly, there’s no work to do since Europe decided to shut off from us and sever any economic cooperation. 

You can’t force love," Lavrov noted.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: I can understand why Lavrov is speaking like this. There is no diplomacy happening right now between Russia and the West, and I expect none in the foreseeable future. But a diplomatic presence needs to be present, even in countries like the Baltic states that have recently labeled Russia a terrorist state. 

Where I will start to panic is if the Russian Foreign Ministry orders all diplomats out of Western countries. Such a decision is usually followed by war within 24 - 48 hours. 

Russia Foreign Minister Lavrov Sees No Reason To Maintain Its Current Diplomatic Presence In Western Countries  

No point in maintaining same diplomatic presence in West – Russia -- RT  

Russia Sees 'No Point' in Maintaining Current Diplomatic Presence in West - Lavrov -- Sputnik  

Lavrov Suggests Russia Could Downgrade Diplomatic Presence In West -- AFP  

‘You Can’t Force Love’: Russian Diplomats Told to Kiss the West Goodbye -- Daily Beast

Putin Approves New Foreign Policy Doctrine Based On 'Russian World'

Russian President Vladimir Putin visits a falcon breeding centre in Kamchatka © Reuters/SPUTNIK  

Reuters: Putin approves new foreign policy doctrine based on 'Russian World' 

LONDON (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Monday approved a new foreign policy doctrine based around the concept of a "Russian World", a notion that conservative ideologues have used to justify intervention abroad in support of Russian-speakers. 

The 31-page "humanitarian policy", published more than six months into the war in Ukraine, says Russia should "protect, safeguard and advance the traditions and ideals of the Russian World". 

While presented as a kind of soft power strategy, it enshrines in official policy ideas around Russian politics and religion that some hardliners have used to justify Moscow's occupation of parts of Ukraine and support for breakaway pro-Russian entities in the east of the country.

"The Russian Federation provides support to its compatriots living abroad in the fulfillment of their rights, to ensure the protection of their interests and the preservation of their Russian cultural identity," the policy said.  

Read more .... 

Putin Approves New Foreign Policy Doctrine Based On 'Russian World'  

Putin approved Concept of Russian humanitarian policy abroad — decree -- TASS  

Vladimir Putin backs foreign policy doctrine to 'protect ideals of Russian World' -- SKY News 

Russia. Putin endorsed a new foreign policy based on the concept of a “Russian world”. -- Politics.mn  

President Putin unveils new foreign policy doctrine to preserve ‘Russian World’ -- WION

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Unveils The Kremlin's Geopolitical Strategy

File photo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, May 20, 2022 © Sputnik/Ilya Pitalev  

RT: Lavrov unveils Russia’s geopolitical strategy 

Foreign minister tells students of Moscow’s economic and political plans and future of relations with the West Moscow expects increased economic cooperation with China as the West becomes more dictatorial, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday. Russia intends to build relations with independent countries and will decide how to deal with the West if and when it comes to its senses, he added. 

“Now that the West is taking the position of a dictator, our economic ties with China will grow even faster,” Lavrov told students at the Primakov School, an elite Moscow high school named after one of his predecessors.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: Moscow Not Sure It Needs Resumed Ties With West, Will Work on Ties With China -Lavrov (Reuters) 

Update #2: Russian FM Says Moscow's Special Operation Confirmed 'fears' About West's Plans In Ukraine (Republic World)  

WNU Editor: I see this focus on China/India/and other Asian/African/Middle Eastern countries will be the driving force for Russian foreign policy in the foreseeable future. The leadership in Russia have clearly given up on Europe, and I certainly do not see any rapprochement happening between the two sides even if the Ukraine war should end tomorrow.

Russia To Withdraw From The WTO And WHO

RT: Russia moves to withdraw from WTO, WHO 

Proposals for ending membership in the international organizations have been sent to the parliament Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, is planning to discuss the potential withdrawal of the country from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), according to Pyotr Tolstoy, the vice speaker of the parliament.  

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent a list of such agreements to the State Duma, and together with the Federation Council [upper house of parliament] we are planning to evaluate them and then propose to withdraw from them,” Tolstoy said on Tuesday.  

Read more ....  

Update: Russia considers leaving WHO and WTO amongst other World organisations (EuroWeekly) 

WNU Editor: I understand why Russia wants to withdrawal from WTO. But withdrawing from WHO is a mistake.

Update #2: This was expected .... Russia withdraws from Council of Baltic Sea States — Foreign Ministry statement (TASS).

Russian President Putin's Constitutional Changes Will Impact Russian Foreign Policy

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov © Sputnik / Ramil Sitdikov

Pavel K. Baev, Eurasia Daily Monitor/Jamestown Foundation: Putin’s Surprise and Russia’s Foreign Policy

The Russian political class suffered a massive shock from President Vladimir Putin’s address to the Federal Assembly last Wednesday (January 15) in which he delivered three unexpected bombshells (see EDM, January 16, 2020). The first was a set of vaguely formulated revisions to the Russian Constitution—even though Putin had pledged in 2005 never to open this fundamental document to changes “under any circumstances” due to unpredictable risks to political stability (Meduza.io, January 16, 2020). The second was the resignation of the government led by Dmitry Medvedev, a loyal lieutenant, who held the position of president in 2008–2011 and then smoothly returned to the role of prime minister (Nezavisimaya Gazeta, January 15, 2020). The third surprise was the appointment of Mikhail Mishustin, heretofore the head of the Tax Service, as the prime minister, which propelled the obscure bureaucrat to the highest level of officialdom (Carnegie.ru, January 16, 2020). Pundits of all persuasions in Moscow have been busy trying to make sense of this uncharacteristic rush by the usually procrastination-prone Putin to reconfigure the country’s political arena, but hardly any attention is being paid to the consequences for Russian foreign policy.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: The above writer is correct when he states that the Russian political class were shocked by President Putin's announcement that there will be changes to the constitution. No one expected this. But this shock is slowly changing into anger and (for some) fear. I do not know what is going to happen next, but from what I am hearing, no one is in favour of these changes. As to how this may impact Russia's foreign policy, I predict the first casualty will be the retirement of foreign minister Sergei Lavrov. He will be 70 years old in March and he has been foreign minister since 2004. He will be there until this transition period to a new constitution has been completed, but he wants to retire, and this will be his opportunity to leave. His departure will definitely impact the foreign service, and since many senior diplomats owe their positions to him, they will be concerned on what his replacement may do. I can answer that right now. If history is any indication, many of them will be replaced. And while President Putin does have a good rapport with almost every leader in the world, it is the foreign service and its relationships with the foreign services of other countries that implements his policies and agreements. If key people are replaced and or transferred, which I predict will happen, it is going to take some time before things return to normal.

Update: Here comes the changes .... Russia: Putin announces new Cabinet after prime minister resigns (DW).

Kremlin Reacts To Today's Mass Expulsion Of Russian Diplomats From The U.S., Canada, And Over A Dozen EU Nations

TASS: Kremlin: Response to diplomats’ expulsion from US will be based on reciprocity principle

The Kremlin spokesman has commented on a Bloomberg report that President Donald Trump decided to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from the US over Skripal case

MOSCOW, March 26. /TASS/. Moscow has received no formal notification from Washington regarding the possible expulsion of its diplomats, but, if the US makes such a decision, Russia’s response will be based on the reciprocity principle, Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said commenting on a Bloomberg report that President Donald Trump decided to expel dozens of Russian diplomats from the US over the case of former Russian military intelligence Colonel Sergei Skripal.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I am sure that the Kremlin had hoped that this issue would have died down by now .... but clearly this is not the case. I expect Russia to expel U.S. and EU diplomats in the coming days, but it is going to be a muted response.

More News On The Kremlin's Reaction To Today's Mass Expulsion Of Russian Diplomats From The U.S., Canada, And Over A Dozen EU Nations

Moscow Vows Response to Expulsion of Diplomats From 14 EU States, US, Canada -- Sputnik
‘Against common sense and intl law’: Russia to retaliate over diplomats’ expulsion by UK allies -- RT
Moscow says on diplomat expulsions: we will react -- Reuters
Russia retaliates with vow to expel dozens of western diplomats -- The Guardian
Kremlin says Putin to decide on response to diplomat expulsions -- Ahram Online/Reuters
Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Slams US Decision to Expel 60 Russian Diplomats, Close Consulate -- Sputnik

Is The Russian Military Becoming Involved In Foreign Policy?

Russia's President Vladimir Putin (R) greets veterans next to Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu after the Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, May 9, 2015. REUTERS/Grigory Dukor/File Photo

Reuters: Backed by Putin, Russian military pushes into foreign policy

In the past few months, at times wearing his desert military uniform, Shoigu has held talks with Syria’s president in Damascus, met Israel’s prime minister in Jerusalem and been received by the Emir of Qatar in Doha.

The defense ministry’s forays into areas long regarded as the preserve of the foreign ministry are raising eyebrows in Russia, where strict protocol means ministers usually hold talks only with their direct foreign counterparts.

The military is reaping political dividends from what the Kremlin saw as its big successes in Crimea, annexed from Ukraine after Russian soldiers in unmarked uniforms seized control of the peninsula in 2014, and Syria, where Russian forces helped turn the tide of war in President Bashar al-Assad’s favor.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I do not see this push by the Russian military into foreign policy.  Because Syria is a war zone .... I am not surprised that Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu is there, nor am I surprised that in is visiting the neighboring countries. But as to making and implementing foreign policy .... no .... the Russian Defense Ministry is not there.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Holds A Press Conference In Moscow

TASS: Growing number of nations banking on military might to guarantee sovereignty, says Lavrov

Russia’s top diplomat noted all this is happening due to the fact that the United States and its allies "still want to handle matters solely on the basis of dictating and putting forward ultimatums"

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. An increasing amount of countries are wagering on boosting their military power to ensure their sovereignty as a result of the decline in the system of international law, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters at an annual news conference on Monday.

"We are witnessing a devaluation of international law, and the diminishing role of multilateral institutions. We are also seeing more and more countries banking on boosting their military power, which is seen by them as almost the sole guarantee of preserving their sovereignty under current conditions," he said.

Read more ....

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov Holds A Press Conference In Moscow

Lavrov Summarizes Results of Russian Diplomacy in 2017 (VIDEO) -- Sputnik
Russian foreign minister berates US for 'destabilizing' world -- CNN
US 'devaluing' international law and institutions, says Russia's Sergei Lavrov -- The Independent
US fears honest competition in energy, arms industry and sports, Lavrov warns -- TASS
Russia's Lavrov: US wants to slice up Syria -- Al Jazeera
Lavrov: Washington does not want Syrian territorial integrity -- RT
Lavrov Props Iran Nuclear Deal, Laments Brash US Policies at Annual Press Event -- Sputnik
Russia will not back US efforts to change Iran deal, Lavrov says -- The Hill
Russia will not support US bid to change Iran nuclear deal: Lavrov -- Reuters
Russia calls Vancouver meeting on North Korea 'destructive' -- TASS
Russia says to facilitate dialogue between US, DPRK -- Xinhua
Lavrov: Russia, China urge freeze to any confrontation on Korean Peninsula -- RT
US missile systems in Japan may have offensive purpose & be controlled by Washington – Moscow -- RT
Russia suspects US may have full access to missile defense systems in Japan, Lavrov says -- TASS
Russia Says US Missile System in Japan Could Be Used for Attacks -- U.S. News & World Report/Reuters
US space militarization plans affect global security, says top Russian diplomat -- TASS
US forcing Europe to abandon Russian gas & buy more expensive American LNG - Lavrov -- RT
Lavrov: Ukraine is Trying to Provoke a Collision in the Donbass -- Novinite
Lavrov accuses Ukraine of violating Budapest Memorandum -- UNIAN
Moscow calls to observe Minsk accords -- TASS
Russia takes legal action over US seizure of Russian diplomatic property -- TASS

Russia's Foreign Minister Lays Out The Kremlin View On Key Issues

CBS: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov lays out Kremlin's view

UNITED NATIONS -- Russia is looking to work with the U.S. on some of the dangerous issues in world affairs, Russian President Vladimir Putin's top diplomat, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told reporters on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly.

"We have to calm down the hotheads," he said, offering the Kremlin's view of North Korea, Iran, the Middle East, Syria, Cuba, Venezuela and the Facebook-Russia ads controversy.

Here's a look at what Lavrov said on a range of hot-button issues.

Read more ....

North Korean Crisis

US not to strike on DPRK as it is aware Pyongyang has nuclear weapon - Lavrov -- TASS
US Not to Strike N Korea Over Certainty Pyongyang Has Nuclear Weapons - Lavrov -- Sputnik International
Washington won't strike N. Korea as it knows Pyongyang has nukes – Lavrov -- RT
US knows N Korea has nukes, will not strike: Russian foreign minister -- Times of India/AFP

Syria

Russia's Sergey Lavrov calls for 'pullout' of US forces from Syria -- Washington Examiner
Lavrov warns against partition of Syria -- TASS

Iran Nuclear Deal

Russian Federation rejects reopening Iran deal talks -- HiTechFacts
Russia Warns Trump: Collapse of Iran Deal Would Discourage North Korea From Stopping Nukes -- Haaretz
Russia says US Iran sanctions undermine nuclear deal -- Reuters

Relations With The U.S.

Lavrov blames Obama administration for souring Russia-US ties -- TASS
Lavrov Blames `Small-Minded' Obama for US-Russia Divisions -- Bloomberg
Russia: Relations with US poor over 'Russo-phobic hysteria' -- Miami Herald
Russia's Lavrov continues to scoff at 'so-called interference' in US election -- CNN

Russia On President Trump And North Korean Leader Kim Jong-Un: ‘We Have to Calm Down the Hotheads’

Foreign Policy: Lavrov on Trump, North Korea: ‘We Have to Calm Down the Hotheads’

When it comes to the escalating, personal war of words between the tetchy leaders of nuclear-armed states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov thinks there’s been inappropriate rhetoric on both sides.

Speaking at a press briefing at the U.N. General Assembly on Friday, Lavrov likened the war of words between President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un to “a kindergarten fight between children. And no one can stop them.”

Trump threatened to “totally destroy” Kim’s country this week. Kim responded with an unusual personal address, labelling Trump a “mentally deranged dotard,” and floating the idea of exploding a hydrogen bomb over the Pacific. Trump, who has authority for thousands of nuclear warheads, then responded on Twitter Friday, “Kim Jong Un of North Korea, who is obviously a madman who doesn’t mind starving or killing his people, will be tested like never before!”

Read more ....

Update: Russia wants Trump and Kim Jong Un to calm down (Business Insider/Reuters)

WNU Editor: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov is right when he said this today .... Washington won’t strike N. Korea as it knows Pyongyang has nukes – Lavrov (RT). But the problem is not what Washington will do .... the problem is what will Pyongyang do next.

Russian Ambassador To The U.S. Sergey Kislyak Is Being Recalled Back To Moscow

Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and President Donald Trump at the White House last week. Photo Credit: @RusEmbUSA

Buzz Feed: Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak Is Going Home To Russia

After nearly ten years at the nexus of US-Russia relations, Washington’s most radioactive diplomat is headed home

Ending one the most turbulent tenures of a Washington-based ambassador in recent memory, the Kremlin has decided to recall its ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak, three individuals familiar with the decision tell BuzzFeed News.

The decision to bring Kislyak back to Russia rather than appoint him to a senior position at the United Nations in New York, as several outlets previously reported, comes amid investigations by the FBI and Congress into the 66-year-old diplomat’s contacts with President Donald Trump’s top aides during the 2016 presidential campaign.

“He could use some time away,” said a US-based diplomat.

Read more ....

Update #1: Russia is recalling ambassador at center of Trump campaign controversy: report (The Hill)
Update #2: Russia Said To Recall Ambassador At Center of Trump Controversy: Report (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: His recall to Moscow was announced months ago .... in fact his replacement has already been chosen .... Russia's Next U.S. Ambassador Will Be Anatoly Antonov (May 27, 2017). What is not known is on appointment to a UN agency in New York City .... it looks like he may not get it.

Russia's Diplomatic Corp Is Showing Its Age

President Vladimir Putin of Russia, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov (L-R) at the Radisson Blu Resort & Congress Center in Sochi, Russia, May 19, 2016. Source: Mikhail Metzel/TASS

Kathrin Hille, Financial Times: Dearth of young diplomatic talent in Moscow sparks concern

‘Old boys’ network’ steers Russia through worst stand-off with west since cold war

According to the law, Yuri Ushakov must step aside on Monday. That is the day Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy adviser turns 70 — the latest possible retirement age for government officials. Recent talk among Russian diplomats has been of his likely successor. Andrei Denisov, ambassador to China? Or perhaps Dmitry Peskov, Mr Putin’s spokesman?

Now the Kremlin has gone silent. “Expect him to stay at least another year. As long as things are so uncertain with regard to Russia-US relations, Putin will not let him go,” says Valery Solovei, a professor at MGIMO, the university where diplomats are trained.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: When Russia's UN ambassador Vitaly Churkin died a few weeks ago, a reader of this blog asked me if there was anyone in the Russian foreign office who could replace someone like him .... my answer was "not really", and those who can measure up are too young (i.e. under the age of 50) .... and that age is a no-no for such an important post. This Financial Times article gives a good explanation on why this is a problem now .... and why it will be an even bigger problem in the future. I can only speak for my generation (those of us who are in our 50s) who were once diplomats .... we gave up on the foreign office because when the Soviet Union collapsed there was no opportunity for us to advance, so we did not renew our contracts and left to pursue other interests. I have no regrets .... though I will admit that I do sometimes wonder where I would be if I did not leave. Hmmm .... yup .... I would definitely be living a different life.  :)

Is The Russian Ambassador To The United States A 'Master Spy'?

Sergey Kislyak (L), Russian ambassador to the United States, arrives with Dmitry Medvedev, prime minister of Russia, for the G8 Summit in Chantilly, Virginia, May 18, 2012. Photo: Reuters

Michael Weiss, Daily Beast: Did Sessions Meet With a Spymaster?

Questions Swirl Around Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak.

Some reports say Sergei Kislyak is a top Russian intel recruiter. But many say he’s just a top diplomat. Either way, Sessions is in trouble.

On March 20, 2014, Kyle Parker, a Russia specialist at the U.S. Helsinki Commission, received an email from a sender called “Lost Soul.” The subject, written in Cyrillic, translated as “Burn in hell.” The tone hardly improved from there:

“Well, well, American bitch, get your cosseted ass ready for a fucking. And we’ll do the same to that rat called Lyosha, you well know in your case it’s better to tell the truth, the whole truth about your selfish intentions… sorry I cannot personally execute you Anglo-Saxon geek… now whore, prepare the vaseline hahahah.”

Read more ....

Update #1: Kremlin dismisses US media spying allegations against Russian ambassador (RT)
Update #2: Kremlin blasts US media’s ‘fake news’ that Russia’s envoy to Washington is rumored ‘spy’ (TASS)

WNU Editor: I would be shocked if he is.

The Death Of Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin -- News Roundup

Foreign Policy: Putin’s U.N. Ambassador, America’s ‘Formidable Adversary’, Dead at 64

Vitaly Churkin, Moscow’s U.N. ambassador, died Monday of a possible heart attack in New York at the age of 64, marking an abrupt end to the career of one Russia’s most formidable diplomats, a man simultaneously admired and reviled in U.N. circles as a brilliant tactician and a cynical shill for President Vladimir Putin’s bullying foreign policy.

For more than a decade, Churkin deployed his considerable diplomats skills — and a masterful understanding of the U.N.’s byzantine procedures — to constrain the West’s military power, denouncing interventions from Iraq to Libya, while defending Russia’s own military adventures from Georgia to Crimea and Syria.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: I first met him when he was the Russian ambassador to Canada .... I needed his help on some business visas. And again when I started to do contract work/translation at the UN in New York City. I did not know him personally .... but from what I understood he was a person who loved foreign affairs/diplomacy/international relations .... and he especially loved the UN and the role that it plays. He spoke fluent English and French (which is rare for a Russian diplomat), but more importantly his mentor was Anatoly Dobrynin .... who helped open many doors for him. His passing away has surprised everyone (myself included). There is now a void in the Russian foreign ministry .... and I can only guess on who will be his replacement.

More News On The Death Of Russian UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin

UN honours 'outstanding diplomat,' Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin, who passed away at 64 -- UN News Centre
Russia's ambassador to United Nations dies in NYC at 64 -- AP
Russia's U.N. envoy Churkin dies suddenly in New York -- Reuters
Russian ambassador to UN Vitaly Churkin dies day before turning 65 -- RT
Vitaly I. Churkin, Russian ambassador to the U.N., dies at 64 -- Washington Post
Russia’s Ambassador to UN Vitaly Churkin dies -- RBTH
Russian UN envoy Vitaly Churkin’s death is big loss for Russia, premier says -- TASS
Putin offers condolences over UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin’s death -- TASS
UN chief calls late Ambassador Churkin 'uniquely skilled diplomat' -- TASS
Analysis: What Vitaly Churkin's death means for the United Nations -- CNN
People bringing flowers to Russian Foreign Ministry in memory of late Ambassador Churkin -- TASS
‘Still looking for Iraqi WMDs?’ & other most memorable quotes from Vitaly Churkin -- RT

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Is Calling For A 'Post-West World Order'

The Independent: Russia's foreign minister calls for ‘post-West world order’ in speech to global leaders

Sergey Lavrov denies alleged Russian interference in US elections: ‘I've seen no facts’

Russia’s foreign minister has called for a “post-West world order” while addressing global leaders at an international security conference.

Sergey Lavrov accused Nato of being a Cold War institution and accused its “expansion” of sparking unprecedented tensions in Europe as both sides expand military deployments and drills.

He said he hoped “responsible leaders” will choose to create a “just world order – if you want you can call it a post-West world order”.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Vice President Pence is giving an opposite view point .... In Europe, Pence says US will hold Russia accountable (AP)

More News On Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Calling For A 'Post-West World Order'

Russia seeks pragmatic US ties and "post-West" world order -- FOX News/AP
Lavrov calls for 'post-West' world order; dismisses NATO as Cold War relic -- DW
Sergey Lavrov: I hope world chooses post-West order -- Al Jazeera
Russia seeks 'post-West' order as US vows loyalty to allies -- AFP
Pence vows to 'hold Russia accountable' while Russian FM divines a 'post-West' world order -- USA Today

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Gives His Annual Press Conference And Provides A Heads-Up On What Will Be Russia's Foreign Policy Direction For 2017

DW: Lavrov expresses readiness to meet US President-elect Trump once in office

In his annual press conference, the Russian foreign minister has invited the Trump administration to attend Syrian peace talks. But Lavrov also claimed US diplomats engaged in espionage against Russia.

On Tuesday morning in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled willingness to work with the incoming Trump administration on a variety of issues from Syria peace talks to international terrorism. Over the course of two and a half hours, Lavrov took stock of the past year and indicated the country's foreign policy direction for 2017.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is interesting .... ‘$10,000 stuffed in a diplomat’s car.’ Moscow has its own complaints about spies — American spies. (Washington Post). But I am not sure about this .... Damascus was 2-3 weeks from falling when Russia intervened: Lavrov (Reuters).

More News On Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's Annual Press Conference

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov holds annual press conference -- TASS
Russian FM Sergei Lavrov Holds Annual Press Conference (VIDEO) -- Sputnik
Russia says ready to talk to Trump about nuclear arms, Syria -- Reuters
Lavrov: We may have improved relations with U.S. under Trump -- Politico
Russia Sees Dialogue With Trump on Terrorism, Nuclear Weapons: Lavrov -- NBC
Lavrov says Russia keen for dialogue with Trump -- CNN
Lavrov says future of Russia-US ties will be clear after new administration takes office -- TASS
Lavrov: US diplomats frequently took part in Russian opposition rallies -- RT
Russia's Lavrov Denies Meddling In European Votes, Blasts U.S. Intelligence -- RFE
Lavrov says tensions in Balkans growing, standoff must be prevented -- TASS
Lavrov says no grounds for rewriting Minsk agreements -- TASS
Russia's Lavrov says working with China to get North Korea talks restarted -- Reuters
Lavrov believes US wanted to use IS, Jabhat al-Nusra to overthrow Assad -- TASS
Highlights of Lavrov's Press Conference on Spy Games, Russia-US Ties -- Sputnik
Sergey Lavrov - diplomacy with bite -- DW

What Is Russia's Strategy In The South China Sea?

Anton Tsvetov, CSIS: Russia’s Tactics and Strategy in the South China Sea

Russia’s involvement in the South China Sea has historically been marginal. Since withdrawal from Cam Ranh Bay in Vietnam in the early 2000s, Russian military presence has been scarce, though the navy still makes port calls regularly. Russian leaders have not expressed much interest in the ongoing sovereignty disputes, mostly because Russian interest in regional affairs has been relatively weak and limited to maintaining bilateral relations with Northeast Asian states and Vietnam.

Generally, Moscow has taken an explicitly neutral stance on the maritime disputes, usually issued by the foreign minister or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) spokesperson. They have repeatedly stated that Russia does not take any sides on sovereignty issues, supports a diplomatic solution, non-use of force, adherence to international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2002 Declaration on Conduct, and calls for an early conclusion of negotiations over a binding code of conduct.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If push came to shove and Russia had to make a choice .... it will be China on who they will side with. But if it has to come to that, it would then mean that there is a major war in Southeast Asia, and China is in a precarious situation that is forcing it to put pressure on its allies (like Russia)to come to its diplomatic assistance.