‘They’re Starting to Moan’: Lavrov Threatens ‘Harsher’ Strikes

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has rejected a ceasefire along the current front line and warned of more aggressive strikes against Ukraine, claiming Russia would target what it perceives as supplying the military of Kyiv. Lavrov made these remarks in an interview with Russia's state-run propaganda outlet Vesti on August 14.

He stated, "We are already doing this, and they are already starting to moan," referring to Russia's ongoing attacks. Lavrov reiterated that Ukraine's calls for Moscow to cease would not alter the group's approach. He insisted that Russia would not agree to a halt on the present line of contact, arguing it would undermine the historical legacy of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany.

Lavrov said Moscow would only consider ending the conflict within a "long-term, reliable and sustainable settlement." His statements amount to rejecting a straightforward ceasefire that would halt the current battlefield situation. Lavrov also threatened to escalate Russian attacks, insisting Moscow would not engage in "terrorist methods" but would take harsher measures against Ukraine.

"Russia will not stoop to Zelensky’s terrorist methods, but will make its approaches harsher to destroy everything that feeds Kyiv’s military machine from the West," he said. Lavrov did not specify additional targets Russia could strike. His comments follow as Ukraine continues to endure Russian missile and drone strikes on its cities and vital infrastructure, while Kyiv and its Western allies consider potential diplomatic efforts to terminate the war.