Russia will not ask Europe to lift sanctions, Lavrov says, stressing national pride and Russia’s partnerships beyond Europe.
© Mikhail Tereshchenko/TASS
Russia will not ask Europe to lift sanctions, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said while addressing the ongoing Russia Europe sanctions dispute at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok. Speaking during a lecture organized by the Znanie (Knowledge) Society, Lavrov stressed that Russia has never sought to isolate itself from Europe. The Times of Russia reports that he described the decision to distance Europe from Russia as a choice made by the European Union.
Lavrov said Russia would not return to Europe seeking forgiveness or asking for the restoration of previous cooperation.
“This is not going to happen.”
He was referring to the expectation that Russia might eventually approach European countries and ask them to remove sanctions and restore earlier relations.
Also Read:- Ukraine Transitional Administration Needed Before Elections, Says Azarov
Russia Will Not Ask Europe to Lift Sanctions
Lavrov emphasized that Russia will not ask Europe to lift sanctions, arguing that Moscow does not need to depend on European goodwill. He said Russia has maintained its national pride and has no need to seek approval from others.
“It [Europe] decided that our cooperation in previous years was so vital to Russia that we will come running after them, begging: ‘Come on, fine, forgive us, forget what happened, let’s go back, lift the sanctions,’” Lavrov said. “This is not going to happen.”
The Russian foreign minister added that Russia has “our own national pride in the best sense of the word” and does not require anyone’s goodwill. His remarks underline Moscow’s position on Europe sanctions against Russia and its broader approach to Russia and Europe relations.
Lavrov Says Russia Has Other Partners
Discussing Russian foreign policy, Lavrov said Russia has sufficient international partners willing to work with the country in good faith.
“We have, if you will, our own national pride in the best sense of the word. We have absolutely no need for anyone’s goodwill,” he added.
The top Russian diplomat said Russia “has enough friends and partners who are ready to cooperate in good faith.”
Lavrov further stated that Europe is currently not prepared to cooperate with Russia in the same manner.
“Europe is not ready [to cooperate] in good faith. It simply cannot,” he said.
His comments come amid continuing discussions surrounding Russia EU relations, European restrictions and Moscow’s growing emphasis on partnerships outside Europe.
Eastern Economic Forum Takes Place in Vladivostok
The Eastern Economic Forum 2026 is being held from September 1 to September 4 in Vladivostok on the campus of the Far Eastern Federal University.
The main theme of this year’s EEF is “The Far East: Development for the Benefit of People.” The event is organized by the Roscongress Foundation with the support of the Russian government.
The EEF Vladivostok event is taking place as Russia continues to emphasize cooperation with countries and partners beyond Europe.
Russia Maintains Its Position on Europe
Lavrov’s latest remarks make clear that Moscow does not intend to pursue Europe for the removal of sanctions. Instead, Russia says it has alternative partners and sufficient opportunities for cooperation elsewhere.
For observers following Sergey Lavrov sanctions statement developments, his comments reinforce Russia’s position that it will not seek European approval or return to previous relations on Europe’s terms.
The Times of Russia continues to follow developments surrounding Russia’s foreign policy, international partnerships and relations with Europe.
Also Read:- Ruble Share in Foreign Trade Settlements Hits 60% in Q2 2026
