No ‘bright future’ for Russia-US economic relations, says Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov

Russia remains open to cooperating with the United States but sees little promise for robust economic relations, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said in an interview published Monday.

Speaking to Russia-based media outlet TV BRICS, Lavrov pointed to what he described as the United States’ declared aim of "economic dominance." He added, "We also don't see any bright future in the economic sphere."

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Lavrov’s comments come amid earlier statements by Russian officials, including envoy Kirill Dmitriev, who highlighted the potential for a major restoration of economic ties with the U.S. as part of any eventual settlement to the Ukraine conflict.

While former President Donald Trump has at times spoken about reviving economic cooperation with Moscow and has hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin on U.S. soil since returning to the White House, the administration has continued to impose heavy sanctions on Russia’s energy sector.

Lavrov also criticised Trump’s stance toward the BRICS bloc — which includes Russia, China, India, Brazil, and other major developing economies. "The Americans themselves create artificial obstacles along this path (towards BRICS integration)," he said.

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He added, "We are simply forced to seek additional, protected ways to develop our financial, economic, logistical and other projects with the BRICS countries."

The remarks underline Moscow’s continued wariness about deepening economic engagement with the U.S., even as diplomatic channels remain open.