Lavrov Hints at Using Any Means in the War to Prevent a “Strategic Defeat” for Russia

Moscow has hinted at using any means necessary in the ongoing war in Ukraine to prevent what it describes as a “strategic defeat” for Russia. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that Russia’s launch of a hypersonic missile at Ukraine was intended to make the West understand Moscow’s intentions to safeguard its national security.

In an interview with controversial American journalist Tucker Carlson, published Thursday, Lavrov stated that Moscow would use all its long-range weapons to avoid defeat in the war against Ukraine. Speaking in English during the interview, which was shared on social media platforms including X and YouTube, he said, “The United States and its allies, who are supplying the Kyiv regime with long-range weapons, must understand that Russia will be ready to use any means to ensure they do not succeed in achieving what they call the strategic defeat of Russia.”

“They are fighting to maintain global dominance, in any country, any region, any continent. We, however, are fighting for our legitimate security interests,” he added.

Russia launched its “Oreshnik” hypersonic missile at the Ukrainian city of Dnipro last month, which Russian President Vladimir Putin described as a test for a missile he claimed is “impossible to intercept.” Putin also announced that Russia might use similar missiles depending on “combat circumstances” if necessary.

Lavrov also stated in the interview that the West had refused to discuss security guarantees for Russia in the weeks and months preceding the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which Moscow refers to as a “special military operation.” Since then, tens or possibly hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides have been killed, though exact numbers remain unknown as neither military is willing to disclose their losses publicly.

During the 80-minute interview, Lavrov emphasized that the West should abandon the notion that Russia lacks “red lines” that it would not allow others to cross in defense of its interests. He denied that Russia initiated the war.

With no end to the war in sight, it remains unclear how U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will handle the conflict after taking office on January 20, despite his repeated indications that he would reduce American support for Ukraine.

Military observers in Kyiv reported that Russian forces have made further advances on Ukrainian territory. On Friday, they confirmed that Russian troops had gained more ground in the city of Kurakhove in eastern Ukraine.

Earlier this week, reports consistently suggested that half of the city had already fallen into Russian hands. It was also reported that several villages north of the city had been captured. If these reports are confirmed, it would place Russian forces behind Ukraine’s defensive lines, further complicating the situation.

It is believed that the Russians suffered heavy losses during their advance, but the remaining Ukrainian defensive forces now pose an increasing threat.

Russia’s official news agency TASS reported on Friday that the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the capture of the villages of Postynka and Sukhyi Yaly in eastern Ukraine. Additionally, the ministry stated that the Russian navy destroyed six Ukrainian maritime drones in the Black Sea.

For its part, the Ukrainian Air Force reported on Friday that Russia launched over 50 drones at Ukraine overnight, with 32 of them being shot down.

The statement added that 16 other drones likely went missing due to electronic jamming, while two drones exited Ukrainian-controlled airspace and headed toward Belarus.