Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed doubts that U.S. policy toward Russia or Ukraine will shift under incoming President Donald Trump, citing a consistent American interest in diminishing Russia’s global influence.
In an interview with Russian state television, Lavrov claimed that the U.S. has long pursued a strategy aimed at weakening Russia, supporting conflicts that diminish Moscow’s role on the world stage. “They feel comfortable when they weaken Russia and its influence,” he stated.
Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s belief that Washington’s involvement in the Ukraine war primarily serves U.S. interests by undermining Russian power, adding, “Ultimately, everything that happens can be traced back to the desire to eliminate Russia as a competitor.” He also suggested that the U.S. would continue its efforts to exert control over global affairs.
Next week, Lavrov will represent Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, where he is expected to meet with U.S. officials. Trump, during his campaign, suggested he might seek a negotiated end to the Ukraine conflict, though he has not provided specific details on his approach.
Putin recently congratulated Trump on his election victory and signaled a willingness to engage in dialogue, though he acknowledged Trump’s unpredictable nature. Lavrov cautioned against reviving the Minsk agreements as a basis for resolving the conflict, given that Ukraine has since rejected the autonomy provisions initially proposed for the Donbas region.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict began on February 24, 2022, when Russia launched its military operations, claiming it aimed to preempt an alleged Ukrainian offensive to reclaim separatist-held regions in Luhansk and Donetsk.
