MOSCOW: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov asserted that the European Union (EU) is actively seeking to expel Russia from Central Asia, characterizing these efforts as futile.
In an interview aired on Sunday, Lavrov accused the EU of obviously attempting to curb Russia’s influence in the region, which Moscow considers its sphere of influence, asserting that such endeavors are destined to fail.
“The European Union is not hiding its intentions to restrain Russia in every possible way and push it out of Central Asia and the South Caucasus,” Lavrov stated. He emphasized that Russia has a historical presence in these regions and has no intention of disappearing. The remarks come amid changing dynamics in the region, with Moscow’s influence undergoing shifts, particularly since the offensive in Ukraine.
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Lavrov dismissed the EU’s attempts to diminish Russia’s role in Central Asia and the South Caucasus, labeling these efforts as futile. He asserted that Russia remains historically present in these regions and is committed to maintaining its influence.
The accusation comes in the wake of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Kazakhstan last month. Macron’s visit to Central Asia is part of broader European engagement with countries in the region.
