Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that he does not expect any changes in the US policy towards Russia or Ukraine under the administration of Donald Trump, because all American governments have an interest in weakening Russia, DPA reported.
“They feel at ease when they weaken Russia and its influence,” Lavrov said in an interview with Russian state television. Russia has repeatedly accused the US of supporting the war in Ukraine, specifically to weaken Moscow.
“Ultimately, everything that is happening can be explained by the desire to eliminate Russia as a rival,” Lavrov said. He added that Washington will continue to strive to keep everything under control. Lavrov will represent Russian President Vladimir Putin at the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro next week, where he will also meet with US officials.
On the campaign trail, Trump said he intended to end the war in Ukraine through a deal with Russia, though he did not elaborate on how that would be done. Putin congratulated Trump last week on his election victory and expressed readiness for dialogue. At the same time, he emphasized that Trump is unpredictable and added that it remains to be seen what the new American government will really do, writes BTA.
However, Lavrov spoke against freezing the conflict and renewing the Minsk agreements to resolve it. Agreements brokered by Germany and France in 2014 and 2015, provided for, among other things, autonomy for the Donbass – something Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky subsequently rejected.
Russia invaded Ukraine on February 22, 2022, Moscow said, to prevent an attempt by Kiev to militarily retake parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions controlled by pro-Russian separatists.
What implications do Lavrov’s statements have for the future of US foreign policy regarding Russia?
Interview: The Future of US-Russia Relations in the Wake of Lavrov’s Statements
Editor (Time.news): Welcome to Time.news, where we bring you insights from experts on the most pressing global issues. Today, we’re joined by Dr. Elena Petrova, a political analyst specializing in US-Russia relations. Thank you for being here, Dr. Petrova.
Dr. Elena Petrova: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: Recently, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made headlines by stating he doesn’t expect any changes in US policy towards Russia or Ukraine under a potential Trump administration. What do you make of his remarks?
Dr. Petrova: Lavrov’s statement reflects a deeply entrenched view within the Russian government that the US is fundamentally opposed to Russian influence in global politics. He suggests that irrespective of the administration, there is a consistent objective to weaken Russia. This perception may stem from historical patterns in US foreign policy but also reinforces a narrative the Kremlin uses to unite domestic audiences.
Editor: He mentioned that “they feel at ease when they weaken Russia and its influence.” How does this sentiment shape the Kremlin’s strategy moving forward?
Dr. Petrova: This sentiment is pivotal. It fuels a narrative of victimization in Russian state propaganda, portraying the West as a threat to national security. As a result, the Kremlin often doubles down on its aggressive foreign policy initiatives, not only in Ukraine but also in other regions where it seeks to expand influence, like Eastern Europe and the Middle East. It effectively consolidates support for the government by framing external challenges as a unifying cause.
Editor: You mentioned the historical patterns; how do you think the dynamics will shift if Donald Trump were to regain the presidency?
Dr. Petrova: If Trump returns to the White House, it could lead to unpredictable policy shifts. On one hand, he has expressed a desire to improve relations with Russia, which might create initial optimism in Moscow. On the other, the entrenched interests and bipartisan support for a tough stance on Russia in Congress might constrain any substantial policy changes. Lavrov’s assertion seems to indicate a belief that fundamental US objectives won’t change, regardless of Trump’s personal inclinations.
Editor: Lavrov also accused the US of supporting the war in Ukraine. Can you elaborate on what this means for international relations, particularly with NATO?
Dr. Petrova: Absolutely. Lavrov’s accusation aligns with Russia’s strategy to delegitimize Western support for Ukraine, portraying it as meddling rather than assistance to a sovereign nation defending itself. This rhetoric complicates NATO’s position because it forces member countries to re-evaluate their engagements. Continued US support for Ukraine could intensify Russia-NATO tensions, prompting a potential arms race or further military posturing.
Editor: How do you foresee the future of US-Russia relations developing in light of these allegations and statements?
Dr. Petrova: The future remains precarious. If the US remains committed to supporting Ukraine, we are likely to see ongoing hostility from Russia and increasing polarization worldwide. Conversely, if a dialogue is established, potentially through back channels, we may see some stabilization. However, the trust deficit is vast, and achieving constructive engagement will require significant diplomatic efforts and policy adjustments from both sides.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Petrova, for your insights. It’s clear that US-Russia relations are complicated and likely to remain a focal point in international politics.
Dr. Petrova: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues. The global landscape is constantly shifting, and how these dynamics unfold will have significant implications for us all.
Editor: And thank you to our viewers for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to cover these evolving global narratives.