Lavrov: Finland Stained Its Neutral Status and Reputation

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that "Finland has destroyed its position and tarnished its neutral reputation by joining the American project against Russia." He made these comments during a press conference following talks in Moscow with Tunisian Foreign Minister Nabil Ammar. Lavrov referred to Finnish Foreign Minister Elena Valttonen's statement that Russians should pay the price for what is happening in Ukraine as "extremely rude." He continued: "Ms. Valttonen, who seems to be still an inexperienced diplomat, spoke directly about the reason for imposing these sanctions - to harm ordinary citizens, and therefore, as she said, the Russian people must pay the price for waging such a war, which means she wants the Russian people to rise up against their government." He added: "The question I pose to Ms. Valttonen is what sin the Syrian, Venezuelan, or Afghan people have committed who have had their funds stolen."