Lavrov commented on Trump's first statements on foreign policy
U.S. President Donald Trump's statements on duties for BRICS and withdrawal from a number of agreements indicate the methods by which the U.S. side will promote its interests. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov at a press conference following talks with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on January 21.
"Obviously, this is a pointer to the methods by which President Trump and his administration will intend to promote the interests of the United States on the world stage," he said.
Lavrov added that Washington's interests on the world stage remain unchanged regardless of who holds the presidency - Democrats or Republicans. The main goal is to always surpass its competitors, he emphasized.
As for the interaction between Russia and the United States, Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously expressed readiness for talks with the American leader. In turn, Trump also stated his intention to meet with the Russian leader, Lavrov clarified.
On November 30, 2024, Trump threatened the BRICS countries with duties on trade with Washington if they abandon the dollar in favor of the future new BRICS currency or other currencies. He then noted that such a measure would be taken if the members of the association decided to create their own currency.
Later, December 1, the head of the Federation Council Commission on Information Policy, Alexei Pushkov, called the introduction of duties on goods of BRICS countries unrealizable in practice. According to him, this threat is unrealistic because the United States is economically dependent on globalization and imports.
