The United States’ disposition to Russia regarding the war in Ukraine has not shifted despite the change in the administration, according to Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Lavrov commented on Wednesday during an interview with RT India, which said Indian oil imports from Russia dropped vastly after top producers Rosneft and Lukoil were sanctioned.
The Russian official maintained that the action was “an unlawful and illegitimate decision” by America, adding that Ukraine was used as a pretext for the sanctions.
Lavrov said Russia appreciates President Donald Trump for initiating dialogue with President Vladimir Putin, citing communication between Washington and Moscow, as well as senior aides.
“However, nothing is happening in real life,” the top diplomat stated. “Aside from this regular dialogue, everything else follows the pattern initiated by President Biden.”
Lavrov observed the sanctions imposed under Biden have remained in force, while the Trump administration similarly adopted its own initiatives “in order to punish Russia’s economy.”
He said the goal was to make Lukoil and Rosneft leave business, claiming part of the “doctrinal documents” adopted by the U.S. proclaims that the superpower must dominate global energy markets.
The minister, nonetheless, confirmed talks about the potential for mutually beneficial, modern, technological, energy-related, and other projects between Russia and the United States.