Lavrov Is an Evil Clown: Diplomat Yelchenko on Russia Aggression and Czech Support

Volodymyr Yelchenko — former Ukrainian Ambassador to the UN, Russia and the USA — gave an extensive interview to Czech outlet Forum24. On the degradation of Russian diplomacy, the UN’s impotence, Czechia’s exemplary role, and the threat Russia poses to all of Europe.

Yelchenko regularly visits the Czech Republic, where he meets with the community and takes part in events supporting Ukraine. The interview was conducted by journalist Petr Hlaváček.

“Lavrov Has Become an Evil Clown”

Assessing modern Russian diplomacy, Yelchenko is unsparing. Lavrov, whom he has known for decades as an educated and in many ways interesting diplomat, has in his view become the “evil clown” of Russian foreign policy. “I honestly cannot imagine that it would be possible today to hold meaningful talks with Russians at the same table. They do not accept any compromises,” the diplomat said.

Russia Only Understands Force

Yelchenko considers NATO’s response to Russian drone violations of Polish airspace insufficient. Russia will keep escalating — drones already fly over Romania and Moldova, and aircraft have violated Estonian airspace. “Russia only understands force, so only a mirror response could stop its aggression,” he stressed.

The UN Security Council has, in the diplomat’s view, become a “discussion club” — plenty of talk, no results. This is a systemic problem that prevents the world from responding effectively to aggression.

Czechia — a Model of Support

Among Central European countries, Yelchenko singles out Czechia. Together with the Baltic states and Poland, it provides unconditional support to Ukraine. President Petr Pavel is one of the leaders in organising Western assistance within the EU and NATO. And ordinary Czechs whom Yelchenko meets in Prague, Jihlava and Brno are well-informed and genuinely supportive of Ukraine.

Hungary’s behaviour, by contrast, the diplomat considers a disgrace: “Hungarians forgot so quickly about 1956 and the negative experiences with Russian imperialism.” Slovakia, in his view, has largely fallen under the influence of Russian propaganda.

Restrictions on Diplomats — a Mistake

On the decree restricting former ambassadors from leaving Ukraine, Yelchenko disagreed: “These are precisely the people with international experience and the ability to persuade partners — they should be allowed to travel even more.” He himself is not affected by the restriction due to his retirement age.

Source: Forum24. Author: Petr Hlaváček. Photo: Pylyp Orlyk Foundation.