According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, the West has declared a “complete hybrid war” against Russia, and it is difficult to determine how long it will persist.

The consequences of this battle will be felt by everyone, he warned; adding that Western efforts to isolate Russia were certain to fail, a reference to sanctions over Ukraine.

“We did everything we could to avoid a direct confrontation; but the challenge was thrown our way, so we took it,” he stated. “Sanctions have always been a part of our lives, so we’re used to them.”

He went on to say that Ukraine is “an instrument or tool to impede Russia’s peaceful growth.”