Lavrov Accuses West of Meddling in Russian Elections, Warns Europe
Sergey Lavrov accused Western nations of interfering in Russia's parliamentary election campaign and warned Europe against attacking Russia.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday accused Western nations of meddling in Russia's parliamentary election campaign and warned that any European attack on the country would end in a "very short" conflict.
Speaking at an International Youth Festival in Yekaterinburg, Lavrov said the interference was more pronounced during the current campaign than in previous years. He claimed the West was attempting to influence how Russian citizens cast their votes, both inside the country and abroad.
"As in previous years, but particularly during this election campaign, we are witnessing direct interference, or attempts at direct interference, by the West in the expression of our citizens' will," he said, adding that such attempts were especially visible overseas but were also occurring within Russia.
Turning to Europe, Lavrov said the continent's leaders speak daily of preparing for war against Russia. He warned that if Europe were to attack, the nature of the conflict would be entirely different from the ongoing hostilities.
"But if Europe, which speaks daily of preparing for war against Russia, were to attack the Russian Federation, it would be a completely different kind of war, and a very short one," he said. "I hope this warning is heeded in European capitals and by the institutions currently attempting to represent a united Europe."
The remarks came as Russia's parliamentary election campaign continues, with Moscow repeatedly accusing Western governments of trying to undermine its political process.