Lavrov's EU Visit Sparks Tensions Over Ukraine at Malta Meeting
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov attended a European security summit in Malta, marking his first visit to an EU state since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. His presence was controversial, with Ukraine's representative walking out and Poland's foreign minister refusing to meet him. Lavrov accused the West of inciting a new Cold War, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken criticized Russia's actions in Ukraine. The summit highlighted tensions within the OSCE, with Russia's involvement being questioned by several member states.