The article reproduces a text attributed to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov that was reportedly intended for publication in Politico Europe but was not ultimately published.

In the article, Lavrov argues that European countries are not neutral participants in the Ukraine conflict but active supporters of Ukraine's effort to defeat Russia.

He claims that Western institutions, including NATO and the European Union, have spent decades expanding eastward and undermining Russian security interests.

The text reviews events from the 2004 Orange Revolution, the 2014 change of government in Ukraine, the Minsk agreements, and the breakdown of security negotiations before Russia's 2022 invasion.Lavrov accuses European governments of encouraging anti-Russian policies and using diplomacy to conceal geopolitical expansion.

He rejects recent proposals from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ukraine for a negotiated settlement, describing them as an ultimatum rather than a basis for peace talks.

According to the article, European leaders seek a ceasefire primarily to prevent Ukrainian military collapse and to gain time to strengthen European military capabilities.Lavrov also criticizes European plans for military rearmament, possible expansion of French nuclear deterrence, and continued support for Ukraine.He warns that direct confrontation between NATO and Russia could escalate into a nuclear conflict with global consequences.

The article states that Russia remains open to negotiations but insists that any settlement must address what Moscow considers the root causes of the conflict, including NATO expansion and security guarantees for Russia.

Lavrov concludes by advocating the creation of a new Eurasian security architecture based on a multipolar world order and argues that trust between Russia and Europe can only be restored through concrete actions rather than demands or ultimatums.