Lavrov: Russia's war goals include protecting language, faith

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has publicly outlined one of Russia's stated war aims in Ukraine. Speaking at a Russian Orthodox Easter reception on April 22, Lavrov said the goals include protecting the 'honor and dignity' of Russian citizens. He specifically cited the right to use the Russian language and practice the Orthodox faith as core justifications for the ongoing conflict. This framing reinforces the Kremlin's narrative of the war as a cultural and civilizational struggle.