By John Q. Hosedrinker 
At a G20 meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused NATO and the EU of declaring war on Russia through their support of Ukraine. This claim aligns with the Kremlin’s narrative that the West initiated the conflict. These remarks follow a series of Russian airspace violations by drones and fighter jets in several NATO member states, including Poland, Romania, and Estonia. Furthermore, escalating tensions have arisen as various officials, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, have suggested that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft breaching their airspace, prompting retaliatory warnings from Russia.
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The subject of “NATO, EU have ‘declared war’ on Russia through Ukraine, Lavrov claims” immediately brings to mind a familiar refrain, one that’s been echoing across the global stage. The claims, originating from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, should be considered with the same level of skepticism one might apply to any dubious assertion. It’s akin to hearing from a social media user, a boisterous relative, or a self-proclaimed expert with an agenda.
The fundamental issue at play here is a dramatic reversal of cause and effect. The assertion that arming Ukraine to defend itself against invasion constitutes an act of war is a warped interpretation of events. The reality is that Russia launched a genocidal invasion, euphemistically termed a “special military operation,” against Ukraine. Providing the victim with the means to defend itself is not an act of aggression; it is an act of support for self-preservation.
The constant barrage of accusations about NATO’s threat to Russia seem divorced from reality, especially when juxtaposed against Russia’s actions. The nation’s focus should be on its internal affairs and withdrawing from the borders of their neighbors. There’s a blatant irony at play. Russia is removing its forces from their borders to use them in Ukraine. Then to turn around and complain about NATO is a twisted game of blame-shifting.
The fear-mongering that suggests the EU will be cowed into surrendering Ukraine is highly improbable. The West understands the stakes: Russia has essentially declared war on Europe by its invasion of Ukraine. Any narrative that seeks to undermine this fact should be viewed with extreme caution. The situation is more accurately described as Russia’s war against Ukraine, against democracy, and against the West.
The absurdity of the situation is highlighted by the hypothetical scenario: A Russian soldier wakes from a coma to learn his country is at war with Ukraine, NATO, and the EU. The state of the war? A million casualties, thousands of lost tanks and aircraft, and yet NATO hasn’t even entered the fight. This highlights the vast disproportions and unrealistic expectations.
It is important to be aware of who’s been telling the lies. Modern-day authoritarian warmongers have been known to stretch the truth and twist it in an attempt to keep the status quo. The focus is not on the well-being of the Russian people, but rather on maintaining control and power.
If anything, NATO and the EU are not seeking conflict with Russia. Their actions have been a response to Russia’s aggression, not an instigation of it. Russia’s aggressive behavior and its violation of international treaties speaks volumes. The idea of “carpet bombing” of Russian positions is a ridiculous scenario.
The invasion of Ukraine has far-reaching consequences. The world is watching.
The focus on pushing the narrative that they are fighting NATO is a desperate attempt to motivate the Russian people. They want to mobilize more people against Ukraine. This is what is happening, and it’s simply a desperate attempt to gain support. Lavrov’s supposed diplomatic skills of the past are now cast in a dubious light, given the context.
If NATO were truly at war with Russia, the global situation would be dramatically different. Any talk of a war against NATO, while a dangerous game, is far from a serious threat. The West’s reaction is not born out of fear or insecurity but rather out of a desire for global security. Russia initiated the conflict. They’ve been the aggressors from the start.
Russia’s history is a testament to its war-mongering ways. This is not new behavior. It is a pattern of aggression, deflection, and blame. The Kremlin’s actions are driven by self-interest, corruption, and a disregard for the Russian people.
The current situation may lead to serious escalation. As a result, it is more critical than ever that the world remain vigilant. It is the other way around: Russia declared war on Ukraine and the West.