The Russian Foreign Ministry today issued a statement, prior to the meeting between Secretary of State Tony Blinken and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, addressing the U.S.-Russian bilateral relationship and pointing to aspects of U.S. foreign policy it says should be corrected. As quoted by TASS, the statement notes that “either we agree on a more or less positive agenda that also takes Russia’s priorities into account, or the degree of confrontation that is already excessive ramps up even further. But if U.S. policy remains unchanged, we will staunchly oppose Washington’s hostile actions in the mutual containment process.” It continues that the two nations have no issues that cannot be resolved, and what’s required is for both to create an atmosphere of trust, as this is in their common interest. “The Americans must carry out serious work on mistakes, draw the appropriate conclusions from their failed attempts to interfere in our internal affairs and substantially correct their behavior,” Russia isn’t creating “spheres of influence” as Washington claims, but defending its legitimate interests.
The statement also suggested that it’s time that “our American colleagues understand that Washington’s dual containment policy towards Moscow and Beijing is completely outdated and offers no good prospects for the U.S. The Americans would do more good for themselves and the entire world if they abandoned their arrogant claim for global dominance and engaged in an equal and honest dialogue with Russia, China and other major players in order to search for balanced solutions to pressing global security and development issues. We are ready for such work.”
