Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answer to a question from Moscow. Kremlin. Putin TV show, Moscow, April 20, 2025

Question: What does the Coalition of the Willing want? After all, some of them seem to be thinking about sending their troops to Ukraine.    

Sergey Lavrov: It is unclear from this appellation what it is they want. In all evidence, they want to feel their superiority and decide things the way they want, while disregarding the opinion of others.   

In today’s Europe, this is linked to the revival of Nazi views, ways and ambitions.  But they better not use this language while talking to Russia. If this “coalition of the willing” is led by some even remotely competent individuals, they should grasp this rather soon. Otherwise they will go on the warpath without any ambiguities. This is their choice.

We hear President of France Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and now Friedrich Merz (who is about to assume chancellorship) shout belligerent and hostile slogans and threaten the Russian Federation. I do not think that this reflects the position of the French and German peoples. Evidently, these leaders are aware that if they follow the election-time decisions, views, and aspirations, they will not make a career.  They want to seize at power by demonstrating this eccentric hostility.   

I want to repeat once again that we, Russians, are strong-nerved people. President of Russia Vladimir Putin said repeatedly that we were ready to discuss any problems. But, of course, we are polite people and expect those who will inevitably apply to us to mind their P’s and Q’s.