Lavrov blames Western policies for Ukraine crisis

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has attributed the Ukraine crisis to what he described as the West’s expansionist policies, while accusing Western elites of resisting the emergence of a multipolar world order.

Lavrov made the remarks on Wednesday, September 16, while addressing participants at the International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Speaking to more than 10,000 participants from 191 countries, including young representatives, experts, researchers, entrepreneurs and media professionals, Lavrov linked the Ukraine crisis to what he described as broader Western efforts to preserve global dominance.

He also cited several other international developments to support his argument, making allegations about Western military actions and interference in other countries. These claims were part of Lavrov’s assessment of current international affairs and were not independently established in the source report.

Lavrov said the process of strengthening a multipolar world order was facing strong resistance from Western elites. He accused them of attempting to preserve their influence through what he characterised as unilateral sanctions, political pressure, interference in domestic affairs and the fuelling of conflicts.

The remarks came during the ongoing International Festival of Youth 2026 in Yekaterinburg, which is being held under the theme “Follow Your Dreams”. The event has brought together young participants from 191 countries.

Bangladesh is represented by 70 young delegates at the festival, according to the source report. It also says two participants aged between 14 and 17 are taking part in the event.