Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov accused the United States of encouraging Ukraine to target the TurkStream Natural Gas Pipeline, a crucial energy route to Türkiye and Europe. Speaking at a press conference on Russia’s 2024 foreign policy, Lavrov alleged the US seeks to eliminate energy competition and undermines European energy security, likening the threat to earlier actions against Nord Stream pipelines.

On the Ukraine conflict, Lavrov commented on former US President Donald Trump’s statements, noting Russia would consider Trump’s final position if he returns to office. Lavrov also emphasized Russia’s readiness for dialogue, stating no proposals for a Putin-Trump meeting have been made yet.

Highlighting Russia-China relations, Lavrov described the partnership as a stabilizing force amidst global tensions, contrasting it with NATO’s actions under US leadership.