Published: February 5, 2026 2:42 pm
Author: RT
The foreign minister has talked to the broadcaster ahead of Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day, marked on February 10
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has addressed the Jeffrey Epstein files, the Ukraine settlement, ties with the US, and other issues in a wide-ranging interview with RT’s Rick Sanchez.
The exclusive interview was dedicated to Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day, marked on February 10.
When asked about prominent figures linked to the late convicted sex offender Epstein, Lavrov said the real issue was the culture of deception among many Western leaders, who are guided by dishonesty and a lack of shame in making their decisions.
According to the minister, the resolution of the Ukraine crisis is being stalled by Vladimir Zelensky, who doesn’t want peace and “thinks about nothing… except for his own survival.”
The approach of the administration of US President Donald Trump to Russia has been “mixed” as it appeared to show understanding of Moscow’s stance on the conflict with Kiev, but at the same time kept sanctions in place and tried to pressure countries doing business with Russia, Lavrov said. Expecting that relations with Washington would improve swiftly under Trump is “wishful thinking,” he stressed.
