Lavrov highlights Gulf cooperation on Ukraine and Middle East crises
From Sputnik, but we will need to read the full transcript for tone.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov thanked Bahrain and other Gulf states for their balanced approach to the Ukraine conflict and their mediation efforts, while addressing major regional security issues following the ninth Russia-GCC Strategic Dialogue in Manama.
Key statements:
🔶 Lavrov dismissed EU and Volodymyr Zelensky’s criticism of the Russia-US diesel fuel agreement as “clownery,” accusing European countries of encouraging Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure and Zelensky of repeatedly sabotaging peace talks to preserve his regime
🔶 Gulf states play a valuable role in prisoner exchanges, repatriating remains, and reuniting children with their families
🔶 The Middle East is on the brink of renewed full-scale war
🔶 Russia and Gulf states support a diplomatic settlement between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis
🔶 Resolving the Strait of Hormuz crisis requires implementing the US-Iran Islamabad Memorandum
🔶 The US approach to Iran undermines diplomatic efforts
🔶 Trump’s Gaza peace plan remains on paper, while justice for Palestinians must be ensured
🔶 Russia and Bahrain intend to strengthen their close partnership
🔶 The next Russia-GCC ministerial meeting will take place in Russia
Presser
🔴 #LIVE: Remarks and answers to media questions by Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov following the 9th round of the Russia–Gulf Cooperation Council Strategic Dialogue at a joint news conference
https://t.co/6r24fwvvaM
— MFA Russia 🇷🇺 (@mfa_russia) October 18, 2026