Speaking to RT, Lavrov commented on the treatment of Russian oil companies in Venezuela and Moscow’s position on resolving the situation around Iran.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russian oil companies are being forced out of Venezuela following U.S. actions in the country.
In an interview with Rick Sanchez of Russia Today (RT) ahead of Russia’s Diplomatic Workers’ Day on February 10, Lavrov said they were taken aback by U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector.
Referring to the Russia–U.S. summit held in Anchorage, Lavrov stated that President Vladimir Putin had supported his counterpart Donald Trump’s proposals for a solution on Ukraine, after which Moscow was expecting the signing of relevant documents.
“However, the next thing we saw was the imposition of sanctions on energy companies such as Rosneft and Lukoil, as well as sanctions on countries purchasing energy from Russia,” he said.
Lavrov underlined that following recent developments in Venezuela, Russian companies are now being openly forced to leave the country, that India has been barred from purchasing Russian energy resources, and that nearly all countries are being prevented from cooperating with Russia in this sector.
‘Israel, the U.S., and Iran know that Moscow is ready to contribute’
Asked whether Russia is playing a mediating role amid developments surrounding Iran, Lavrov said that Moscow is not currently attempting to act as a mediator between Israel, Iran, or the United States.
“We are only discussing the current situation in our contacts with them. Iran is our partner, a close partner and a neighbor. Naturally, we are concerned about the current developments. This situation poses a potentially explosive danger not only for Iran, but for the entire Middle East. There are many mines ready to explode, just waiting for someone to step on them,” he said.
Lavrov added that Israel, the United States, and Iran are aware that Moscow is ready to contribute to a solution and to adhere to agreements previously reached.
‘Zelensky does not need peace’
Responding to a question from Sanchez, Lavrov said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky does not need peace.
“Even the slightest peace would mean the end of his political career—indeed, not only his political career,” he said.