On September 11, 2026, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held an important interview with the RBC television channel regarding his thoughts on the 25th anniversary of the attacks on 9-11.

On that fateful day, Lavrov was in his office at the UN. He noted that “the office of the Permanent Representative to the United Nations is a soundproofed room, equipped with specialized apparatus around the perimeter designed to suppress any sound, ensuring that nothing ‘escapes’ the room.” He had had a TV on, and saw the jet crash into the World Trade Center, but initially thought it was a horror movie. In a few moments, he realized the situation. Communications began coming in from Russia; “President Vladimir Putin telephoned then-US President George W. Bush and affirmed that we stood with them. Subsequently, an appropriate resolution was adopted in the UN Security Council.”

(from the interview)

Question: We have spoken about public assistance. Twenty-five years have passed. Was there any non-public assistance extended by Russia to America that can now be disclosed?

Sergey Lavrov: The Russia—NATO Council, which had already been established by that time, endorsed an entire programme concerning Afghanistan. Our helicopters were made available for the use of the international coalition. Intelligence data were shared. There were also “sapper” initiatives. The Russia—NATO Council possessed a comprehensive multi-page plan regarding Afghanistan.

Question: How did international relations evolve as a consequence of these events? What does this signify for you? In your view, what was the gravest error in the new order?”