Sergey Lavrov on United States

Sergey Lavrov consistently criticizes the United States for undermining international law and fostering global instability through ambiguous and unilateral foreign policy actions. He has cited instances like the military intervention in Venezuela and the general approach of the West, which he contends has abandoned the concept of a rules-based order in favor of a “might is right” principle. Lavrov stresses that the US-led bloc historically sought to impose a unipolar world order after the Soviet Union’s dissolution, which Russia, under its current leadership, began to counteract by advocating for multipolarity and a balance of interests on the international stage.

His position is further contextualized by the perceived ineffectiveness of dialogue with Washington unless it respects Russia's legitimate interests, citing the unfulfilled promise to return seized Russian diplomatic property from the Obama administration, which persisted under a subsequent administration. While noting a degree of pragmatism under the current US leadership concerning Ukraine and willingness to engage in dialogue, Lavrov remains wary, suggesting that European allies often try to derail potential US-Russia understandings. Overall, the stance reflects a deep-seated Russian belief that the US struggles to accept a world order where its dominance is not absolute, leading to systemic international friction.