Lavrov Says U.S. Security Strategy Tells Europe to 'Know Its Place'

Overview

• In an interview with Iranian state outlet Gosteleradio Iran, Russia's foreign minister framed the U.S. plan as an effort to rein in EU ambitions to export a liberal order.
• Sergey Lavrov said the strategy signals Washington will not reliably underwrite European 'adventures' because it now prioritizes Latin America and the Asia‑Pacific.
• RIA Novosti published the remarks on Dec. 15 following the White House's Dec. 5 release of the National Security Strategy.
• The U.S. document calls on Europe to take primary responsibility for its own defense and highlights EU issues such as overregulation, mass immigration, and limits on free speech.
• Moscow's interpretation underscores heightened rhetoric over transatlantic priorities without evidence of immediate changes to alliances or military commitments.