Russia explains why it did not fall into the US's 'trap'
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow will not let itself fall into the US trap, and there are lessons it will never forget.
According to RIA Novosti on April 15, in an interview with Kommersant newspaper, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow knows how to avoid making a deal with US President Donald Trump that could trap Russia.
“Now, when we are offered normal ‘deals’ as President Donald Trump calls them, we understand this in a good sense. We understand what a mutually beneficial deal looks like, which we have never refused, and a deal that could also push us into another ‘trap’,” the Russian foreign minister said.
Mr. Lavrov noted that US President Donald Trump's foreign policy is based on protecting US national interests, but the US President is ready to dialogue with other countries when these interests coincide. Mr. Lavrov said this approach is realistic and worth discussing.
At the same time, the Russian Foreign Minister stressed that after restoring relations with the United States, Moscow should not repeat dependence in the economic, technical, military and other spheres.
"I am 100% sure that this lesson will never be forgotten," said Foreign Minister Lavrov, affirming that Russia is not "following" anyone and does not ask for the lifting of sanctions imposed on it.
Regarding Ukraine, Foreign Minister Lavrov said that the Kiev authorities, when talking about returning to the 1991 borders, are only interested in land to bargain “at a higher price”. According to Mr. Lavrov, “they are merchants, nothing is sacred”. When discussing any plans with the West related to resolving the conflict, Moscow always emphasizes checking Kiev’s “cleanliness”.
At present, Russia and the United States have not yet agreed on the main parameters of the agreement on the settlement of the Ukraine issue during their contacts. However, Mr. Lavrov said: "The most important thing is that both sides have the desire, despite the problems and differences in national interests on a number of issues on the international agenda. It is necessary to meet polite, cultured people and listen to each other. This is exactly what is happening."
