Lavrov: Europe Uses Ukraine as Proxy for War on Russia, Sacrificing Own Interests

• Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accuses European leaders of sacrificing national interests by using Ukraine as a proxy in a conflict against Russia.
• Lavrov claims European governments are no longer hiding their intentions and are preparing for direct participation in the war.
• He states that European states have become fully reliant on the United States after severing ties with Moscow.
• Diplomatic efforts for peace talks face delays, with a second round of discussions on a US-drafted proposal postponed to February 4-5 in Abu Dhabi.
• Significant differences remain, especially over territorial issues, as Russia occupies about 20% of Ukraine and seeks full control of Donetsk.

Why It Matters: Lavrov asserts European leaders are using Ukraine as a proxy against Russia, sacrificing their own interests.