Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said the United States is seeking to expand its control over global energy markets, including by attempting to take over the Nord Stream gas pipelines connecting Russia and Europe.
Speaking in recent remarks, Lavrov stated that the administration of US President Donald Trump continues many of the policies pursued under former President Joe Biden toward Russia, though he noted that dialogue between Moscow and Washington has resumed under Trump.
Lavrov accused Washington of attempting to push major Russian energy companies, including Lukoil and Rosneft, out of international markets through sanctions and economic pressure.
He also claimed that the United States seeks to establish control over Russian gas transit routes through Ukraine and is now trying to economically “punish” Russia independently rather than simply continuing Biden-era measures.
Regarding the Nord Stream pipelines, Lavrov said Washington wants to cheaply acquire the European share in the project and eventually restore pipeline operations. Lavrov further declared that the United States is attempting to dominate energy cooperation previously maintained between Venezuela and Rosneft, linking the issue to what he described as broader US efforts to control strategic energy sectors worldwide.
