Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the birthday of the country’s top diplomat with a quote about how people “run away” when they see him.
Vladimir Putin hawk Sergey Lavrov, who today turns 75, said that Europeans specifically are perturbed by his presence. “It’s becoming contagious when somebody sees an American talking to me or a European talking to me,” he said in December 2024, in an interview with ex Fox News star Tucker Carlson.
“Europeans are fleeing when they see me. Grown-up people behaving like kids. So childish. Unbelievable,” added the birthday boy, regarding his reception at a G20 meeting last year.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs re-shared the quote with a mocked up picture showing Lavrov front and center and European officials, including President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, cowering in the corner.
Vice president of the same commission, Josep Borrell Fontelles, was also pictured, while he, Von der Leyen, Vice-President of the European Commission Kaja Kallas and former Prime Minister of Belgium Charles Michel were tagged in the post. Lavrov once described Von der Leyen as “fuhrer Ursula,” a reference to Adolf Hitler.
Darling of the Russian public Lavrov was also celebrated on X, as Russian state-owned news agency Sputnik reported “Social media can’t get enough of Russia’s top diplomat.”
“Happy birthday to the best foreign minister in the world,” one X user wrote, sharing two images of the Russian diplomat smoking a cigarette.
“Happy birthday to the world’s top diplomat, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov! Known for his sense of humor, caustic one-liners, and excellent diplomatic skills, this legend turns 75,” another added, with a similar tone.
The Sputnik piece carried quotes from a who’s who of MAGA figures that fawned over Lavrov after last month’s talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“This is what competent leadership looks like,” wrote Tesla CEO Elon Musk on X, commenting on Lavrov’s arrival in Riyadh in February.
Ian Miles Cheong, right-wing influencer and Musk fanboy, added: “Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said today’s efforts to boost US relations paid off, marking a successful first round... The adults are back in charge.”
Retired Colonel Douglas Macgregor wrote on Jan. 19: “Lavrov and Putin have made it very clear there will be no Korean-style outcome to [the Ukraine conflict]. They want their country to be secure.”
