Russian Foreign Minister Claims World War III Has Begun, Blames West For Global Tensions.
Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, declared on Sunday that World War III has already begun in a new form, accusing Western nations of stoking global conflicts through their actions. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow, Lavrov pointed to what he described as the West’s aggressive policies, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, as evidence of a broader campaign to destabilise the international order. His provocative remarks, reported across multiple outlets, have heightened concerns about escalating global tensions.
Lavrov’s statement comes amid strained relations between Russia and NATO, with the ongoing war in Ukraine serving as a central flashpoint. He accused Western countries, led by the United States, of disregarding the UN Charter and fuelling chaos by arming Ukraine and supporting actions against Russia’s interests. “The West’s reckless behaviour risks plunging the world into complete chaos,” Lavrov said, quoting President Vladimir Putin’s warning that unchecked actions could lead to catastrophic consequences. He further claimed that NATO’s expansion and military support for Kyiv are tantamount to waging a proxy war against Russia.
The minister’s comments follow recent developments in the Ukraine conflict, where Russian forces have intensified drone and missile attacks, while Ukraine has employed Western-supplied weapons, including US-made ATACMS missiles, to strike Russian targets. Lavrov also referenced the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage, which Putin has previously blamed on Western actors, as an example of economic warfare aimed at weakening Russia and its allies. He argued that such actions demonstrate the West’s intent to maintain dominance at the expense of global stability.
Lavrov’s rhetoric echoes earlier warnings from Russian officials, including former President Dmitry Medvedev, who suggested that Western strikes on Iranian nuclear sites could escalate into broader conflict. The minister highlighted Russia’s alliances with nations like Iran, China, and North Korea, claiming they are countering a Western agenda to suppress emerging powers. He also praised US President Donald Trump’s calls for de-escalation in Ukraine, though he expressed scepticism about Washington’s willingness to follow through, citing a history of “belligerent attitudes” from Europe and the US.
The international response to Lavrov’s remarks has been swift. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba dismissed the claims as Russian propaganda, asserting that Moscow’s aggression in Ukraine, not Western support, is driving the conflict. NATO officials, meeting in The Hague this week, reiterated their commitment to supporting Ukraine while avoiding direct confrontation with Russia. Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot called for a unified European stance, warning that inflammatory rhetoric risks further escalation.
Analysts suggest Lavrov’s statement is part of a broader Russian strategy to rally domestic support and pressure Western leaders amid stalled peace talks. With Trump issuing a 50-day ultimatum for Russia to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, and Putin signalling readiness to deploy advanced weaponry like the Oreshnik missile, the global situation remains precarious. As both sides trade accusations, Lavrov’s claim of an ongoing World War III underscores the deepening divide between Russia and the West, raising fears of further instability.
