Russia Vows Foreign Policy Unaffected by Threats, Blackmail

Lavrov says Russia-China ties have stabilizing effect on international relations

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia's foreign policy course will not be swayed by any threats or blackmail, and that the development of relations with China has a stabilizing effect on the international system. Lavrov also said Russia intends to provide support to Cuba and Venezuela, and that understandings reached with the U.S. on the Ukrainian conflict remain on the table.

Why it matters

Russia's unwavering stance on its foreign policy direction, despite external pressure, signals its intent to maintain a assertive global posture. The strengthening of Russia-China ties is seen as a counterbalance to Western influence, while Russia's support for Cuba and Venezuela underscores its willingness to challenge U.S. interests in its traditional spheres of influence.

The details

Lavrov stated that Russia's foreign policy will continue to be predictable in the long term, and that threats, pressure or blackmail from any source will not affect it. He said the development of Russia-China relations has a stabilizing effect on the international system and plays a crucial role in forming a 'belt of good neighborliness' along Russia's borders. Lavrov also said Russia intends to provide necessary support to Venezuela and Cuba, which are under severe external pressure. Regarding the Ukrainian conflict, Lavrov stated that understandings reached with the U.S. during the Trump administration remain on the table, and a sustainable settlement is impossible without addressing the root causes provoked by the 'collective West'.

  • In August 2025, understandings were reached between the presidents of Russia and the United States in Anchorage, Alaska on the Ukrainian conflict settlement.
  • Lavrov's remarks were made on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 during the government hour in the State Duma.

The players

Sergey Lavrov

The Russian Foreign Minister, who outlined Russia's foreign policy stance and its relations with key countries.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whose visit to China in 2026 Lavrov said Russia will actively prepare for.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President, during whose administration understandings were reached with Russia on the Ukrainian conflict settlement.

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What they’re saying

“I would like to note once again that our foreign policy course, which is not conditioned by electoral cycles and personal preferences, will continue to be predictable in the long term. Threats, pressure, blackmail, no matter who they come from, will not affect it.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (news-pravda.com)

“The development of our relations with China has a stabilizing effect on the entire system of international relations and at the same time plays a crucial role in solving the strategic task of forming a belt of good neighborliness along the Russian borders.”

— Sergey Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister (news-pravda.com)

What’s next

Russia will actively and productively prepare for Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China in 2026.

The takeaway

Russia's unwavering stance on its foreign policy direction, despite external pressure, signals its intent to maintain an assertive global posture, particularly through strengthening ties with China and supporting allies like Cuba and Venezuela in the face of Western influence.