The Biden administration is allegedly setting the stage for chaos before the incoming Trump presidency takes the reins, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Speaking at a press conference, Lavrov accused the Democrats of a calculated effort to complicate matters for their successors, a practice he claimed is a hallmark of their political strategy.
The remarks came as Washington announced fresh sanctions targeting Russia’s energy industry. The measures affect major petroleum producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, along with their subsidiaries, including Naftna industrija Srbije (NIS). These sanctions also extend to insurance providers and over 30 oilfield service companies, impacting more than 180 vessels involved in Russian oil deliveries. Lavrov argued that these restrictions simultaneously aim at Serbia, Russia, and Donald Trump, who has signaled a willingness to reopen diplomatic channels with Moscow to address the Ukraine conflict.
Lavrov drew parallels to the Obama administration’s actions during the transition to Trump’s first term in 2017. He recalled how, weeks before Trump’s inauguration, President Barack Obama expelled 120 Russian diplomats and seized Russian diplomatic properties. Lavrov suggested such moves were not only damaging to Russian-American relations but also created a hostile environment for the incoming administration.
The foreign minister criticized the Biden administration’s approach, implying it undermines democratic principles. He argued that after losing reelection, the outgoing leadership should respect the people’s choice by refraining from obstructive policies. Instead, Lavrov accused them of deliberately leaving a “mess” for their successors to clean up.
This claim adds another layer to the already complex U.S.-Russia relations, further highlighting the tension between the current and incoming U.S. administrations.
