Russia's Lavrov Presents 'Destroy Russians' Quotes to U.S. Amidst Peace Efforts

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reportedly presented U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio with a compilation of quotes from Ukrainian authorities that he claims advocate for the destruction of Russians. The exchange took place on July 10, 2025, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as diplomatic efforts continue to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

According to Lavrov, the compilation included statements from high-ranking Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, Presidential Office Head Andriy Yermak, and advisor Mykhailo Podolyak. Lavrov stated, > "Yesterday, I gave Marco Rubio a small collection of quotes where it is explicitly stated that it is necessary to destroy the Rusnya. Legally, but preferably physically." "Rusnya" is a derogatory term used to refer to Russians.

This presentation by the Russian foreign minister comes amidst a series of high-level diplomatic engagements aimed at finding a resolution to the protracted conflict. Secretary Rubio and Minister Lavrov have met previously, including a significant encounter in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February 2025, as part of broader efforts under U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to foster peace talks. President Trump has reportedly expressed frustration with Moscow's perceived inflexibility in these discussions.

The Russian side has consistently asserted that its military actions in Ukraine are justified by alleged oppression of Russian-speaking populations and other grievances. Lavrov reiterated these claims, accusing Ukraine of pursuing "territorial integrity" at the expense of Russian-speaking people's rights and aiming to "physically destroy those who disagree." While Ukrainian officials have generally disputed Russian claims regarding their intentions and actions, a specific response to this particular compilation of quotes was not immediately available, though past statements indicate a general denial of such accusations.

The incident highlights the deep-seated mistrust and conflicting narratives that continue to complicate international peace initiatives for the region. Despite the diplomatic overtures, both sides remain entrenched in their positions, with Russia leveraging such alleged statements to justify its ongoing military operations and Ukraine continuing to defend its sovereignty.