Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov recently suggested that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will not change Washington’s “fundamental approach” to Ukraine.
Speaking to Russian media last week, Lavrov asserted that the U.S. will maintain its strategic interest in the region under the incoming administration. He emphasized, “Washington will always seek to control everything within NATO’s orbit, especially on NATO territory,” signaling continuity in U.S. policy toward Ukraine.
Lavrov also cast doubt on the European Union’s independence, suggesting that its ties with NATO—under U.S. influence—are blurring both militarily and politically. He speculated on how the U.S. might exercise control but made it clear that the U.S. would continue to manage these processes.
This outlook differs from the concerns in Brussels, where many EU officials fear that Trump might abandon Ukraine in favor of peace negotiations with Russia. These officials worry that such a peace could allow Russia to expand its influence in Eastern Europe. Lavrov, however, echoed claims that the U.S. is more concerned with maintaining its reputation than the well-being of Ukraine, asserting, “They don’t care about Ukraine. They care about their reputation.”
Additionally, Lavrov suggested that the U.S. is more focused on containing China than addressing Russia’s actions in Ukraine. “The task of containing China was set by the Biden administration, and I assume it will remain a priority for Trump as well,” he stated.
While Trump has voiced mixed messages about his approach to Ukraine, pledging peace early on while appointing hawkish figures to key positions, Lavrov’s statements reflect ongoing Russian uncertainty about U.S. policy. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reassured NATO allies of continued support for Ukraine in the near future, signaling that American foreign policy may remain steadfast regardless of any shifts in leadership.
