Anthony Eden vs Sergei Lavrov

As Foreign Secretary, Eden negotiated the Anglo-Egyptian Agreement that granted self-government to Sudan, leading to its independence in 1956. This resolved a long-standing dispute between Britain and Egypt over the status of Sudan.

As Foreign Secretary, Eden chaired the Geneva Conference that ended the First Indochina War. The conference resulted in the Geneva Accords, which temporarily divided Vietnam at the 17th parallel and established Laos and Cambodia as independent neutral states.

As Prime Minister, Eden ordered British forces to invade Egypt after Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal. The operation was conducted in collusion with France and Israel. International condemnation, especially from the US, forced a humiliating withdrawal, damaging British prestige.

Eden resigned as Prime Minister in January 1957, citing ill health. The Suez Crisis had severely damaged his reputation and authority. He was succeeded by Harold Macmillan. Eden's resignation marked the end of a brief and controversial premiership.

Lavrov was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation by President Vladimir Putin. He succeeded Igor Ivanov and became the longest-serving Russian foreign minister in the post-Soviet era.

Lavrov defended Russia's annexation of Crimea from Ukraine at the United Nations and in international forums. He argued that the move was legal under international law and protected ethnic Russians.

Lavrov led diplomatic efforts to support the Assad government in Syria. He negotiated with the US and other powers, securing Russia's military intervention and shaping the political settlement process.

Lavrov justified Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to the international community. He faced widespread condemnation and sanctions, and Russia was isolated in many international organizations.