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Anchorage Today
By the People, for the People
Russia Doubts Bright Future for US Economic Ties, Lavrov Says
Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov cites continued US sanctions and efforts to push Russia out of global markets as contradicting claims of wanting to restore economic cooperation.
Published on Feb. 5, 2026
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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has expressed doubts about the sincerity of US claims that it wants to restore economic cooperation with Russia, citing the continuation of economic sanctions and new harsh measures taken against Russian companies. Lavrov said the actions of the US administration contradict its stated willingness to do business with Russia, especially after the Ukraine conflict is resolved.
Why it matters
The comments from Lavrov highlight the ongoing tensions and mistrust between Russia and the US, even as the two countries have expressed a desire to improve economic ties. The continued imposition of sanctions and efforts to limit Russia's global economic influence suggest the path forward for US-Russia economic relations remains uncertain.
The details
Lavrov said that not only have the economic restrictions imposed on Russia under the previous US administration remained in place, but "very harsh sanctions have been imposed against our largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, for the first time." He said this move "surprised" Russian President Vladimir Putin, coming just weeks after his meeting with US President Donald Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, during which Moscow "supported the US proposal for a comprehensive settlement of the Ukrainian crisis." Lavrov also accused the US of "openly trying to push Russian companies from Venezuela" and banning India from buying Russian oil.
- In March 2025, US President Donald Trump said he wants to do business with Russia after the Ukraine conflict is settled.
- In August 2025, Putin met with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska, during which Moscow supported a US proposal to settle the Ukrainian crisis.
- In January 2026, US commandos raided the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, during which President Nicolas Maduro and his wife were abducted.
The players
Sergey Lavrov
The Foreign Minister of Russia who expressed doubts about the sincerity of US claims to restore economic cooperation with Russia.
Donald Trump
The current US President who has repeatedly said he wants to do business with Russia.
Vladimir Putin
The President of Russia who met with Trump in Anchorage, Alaska in August 2025.
Nicolas Maduro
The President of Venezuela who was abducted during a US raid on Caracas in January 2026.
Joe Biden
The previous US President under whose administration economic restrictions were imposed on Russia.
What they’re saying
“The actions of the Americans contradict their claims that they are willing to do business with Russia”
— Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia (RT.com)
“Well, the bright future of our economic and investment cooperation doesn't really square with that”
— Sergey Lavrov, Foreign Minister of Russia (RT.com)
The takeaway
The continued tensions and mistrust between the US and Russia, despite claims of wanting to improve economic ties, suggest the path forward for US-Russia relations remains uncertain and fraught with challenges.
