Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s answers to media questions following Government Hour at the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Moscow, January 26, 2022

Question: Do we link the threats of more sanctions coming our way that we heard from the United States and the EU yesterday to the talks on security guarantees?

Sergey Lavrov: What we see is that all our Western colleagues, without exception, are caught up in a “military” frenzy of sorts. “We will punish you,” “you will attack,” “we will punish you and save Ukraine,” “you’ll get more than you bargained for” and so on, is all you hear from them. You read the dramatic language that the West uses to state its positions. We are ready for all scenarios. We didn't attack anyone. We have always been attacked in the past. Those who did so invariably got what they deserved. So, I will not speculate about what our Western partners may pull next. Clearly, they are befuddled and not really sure how to get out of the corner they have painted themselves into. We are prepared to reliably defend the interests and security of our country, as well as the security of our citizens.

Question: Regarding Andrey Turchak’s remarks about the need to supply aid to the DPR and LPR in the form of certain types of weapons. Will there be such supplies? Will we send our military there?

Sergey Lavrov: We support the unconditional implementation of the Minsk agreements, which Ukraine is currently sabotaging. The Western handlers of the Ukrainian regime, including the Americans during President Putin’s meeting with President Biden in Geneva in June 2021, assured us that they will push for Kiev to fulfil its obligations under the Package of Measures signed in Minsk in 2015 in terms of ensuring a special status for Donbass. I believe this obligation lies with the West which must ensure that Kiev honours the Minsk agreements. Then, there will be no more questions. I really hope that this is how things will turn out.

Question: What is the timeline for British Foreign Secretary Elizabeth Truss’ visit to Russia?

Sergey Lavrov: We have agreed on the date. I’m not sure about the protocol agreement. It will take place within two weeks.

Question: What can you say about Jens Stoltenberg's latest statement that NATO is considering the possibility of scaling up its military presence on the eastern flank?

Sergey Lavrov: I stopped considering his statements a long time ago. I think he lost touch with reality.