MOSCOW
Russia is being pushed by the US out of all global energy markets, the country’s foreign minister said Saturday.
Speaking to Russian media, Sergey Lavrov said the US "officially stated" that it is ready to protect its well-being by any means – from coups and abductions to assassinating leaders of nations whose natural resources America covets.
"Look at what’s happening now. The US has officially stated that 'they take orders from no one.' They care only about their own well-being. They are prepared to defend this well-being by any means – coups, abductions, or assassinations of leaders of countries possessing natural resources that the Americans need," he said.
In carrying out military operations in Venezuela and Iran, the US did not hide that their motive is oil, said Lavrov.
"They have a doctrine of dominance in global energy markets. Sanctions have been imposed on (Russian oil companies) Lukoil and Rosneft Group. These are the first major sanctions of the Donald Trump administration, not the legacy of (former President Joe) Biden," he said.
The US welcomes the sidelining of Russia in European energy markets, and Russia is now being edged out in Serbia, he said.
"This is the Americans' contribution. Joe Biden started it, and Donald Trump is finishing it. This is an open claim to energy dominance throughout the world, in all regions," he argued.
Russia is "being pushed out of all global energy markets" to the point where it may eventually have only its own territory left to develop its energy sector — and then, said Lavrov, Americans will come and offer cooperation there.
"But if we are ready to implement mutually beneficial projects on our territory and provide the Americans with what interests them, while taking our interests into account, then they must also take ours into account. So far, we do not see this," he said.
Leaving behind international agreements
Overall, the world is witnessing a stage in human history that is taking it back to a world before international agreements, said Lavrov.
"No international law, no Versailles system, no Yalta system – nothing. A world where 'might is right.' And we, as you know from the words of a famous character in a famous film, believe that 'God is not in might, but in truth'," he said.
Lavrov described as "unusual" the return to a time when there were no frameworks for international relations, adding: "It was stated outright – the interests of the United States prevail over any international agreements."
He also criticized the US and Israel for the Middle East crisis, predicting that the consequences of what the two countries are doing "will continue to have repercussions for a very long time."
Europe, according to him, is now also trying to entrench neocolonialism in the world, as it once ruled the entire world for 500 years, during the eras of both colonialism and slavery.
"It still wants to live at the expense of others and dictate to everyone. The arrogance and contempt for everyone else simply, excuse me, 'emanates' from current European politicians when they start moralizing," he argued.
Asked about Russia's allies, he said that ever since the time of the Russian Empire, its best ally was its army.
"Ever since the time of the Russian Empire we have had the understanding that Russia has only two allies – its army and navy. Now this also includes the aerospace forces (we cannot ignore them). We also have new unmanned aerial vehicle troops. So we will have even more allies," he said.
