Russia remains open to cooperation with the United States but has little expectation of improved economic ties, despite Washington’s efforts to end the war in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in remarks published on Monday.
Speaking in an interview with Russia-based outlet TV BRICS, Lavrov said Moscow saw no “bright future” for economic cooperation with Washington, citing what he described as the United States’ pursuit of global economic dominance.
“We also don’t see any bright future in the economic sphere,” Lavrov said.
His comments underline the gap between diplomatic engagement on Ukraine and the broader state of Russia–U.S. relations, which remain strained by sanctions and geopolitical rivalry.
Sanctions Cast a Long Shadow
Lavrov’s remarks contrast with earlier optimism expressed by some Russian officials. Kirill Dmitriev, a senior Kremlin envoy, has previously spoken about the potential for restoring economic relations with the United States as part of any eventual peace settlement over Ukraine.
U.S. President Donald Trump has also floated the idea of reviving economic cooperation with Moscow and has hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on U.S. soil since returning to the White House.
However, Washington has continued to impose tough sanctions, including new measures targeting Russia’s key energy sector, dampening expectations of any meaningful economic reset.
BRICS Frictions Add to Strain
Lavrov also pointed to U.S. hostility towards the BRICS bloc which includes Russia, China, India, Brazil and other major developing economies as a further obstacle.
“The Americans themselves create artificial obstacles along this path,” he said, referring to cooperation among BRICS members.
As a result, Lavrov said Russia was being pushed to deepen alternative arrangements.
“We are simply forced to seek additional, protected ways to develop our financial, economic, logistical and other projects with the BRICS countries,” he said.
Strategic Shift Away from the West
The comments reflect Russia’s broader strategy of reducing dependence on Western markets and institutions, while expanding ties with emerging economies amid prolonged confrontation with the United States and its allies.
Despite continued diplomatic contacts over Ukraine, Lavrov’s remarks suggest Moscow does not expect those talks to translate into improved economic relations with Washington in the near term.
With inputs from Reuters
