Lavrov Says U.S. Seeks to Seize Control of Global Energy

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday accused the Trump administration of attempting to "usurp" control over worldwide energy markets, alleging Washington is systematically working to push Russian energy giants such as Lukoil and Rosneft out of the global arena.

Speaking in an interview with a broadcaster , Lavrov charged that the United States is pursuing a sweeping strategy to monopolize critical energy supply chains — from pipeline infrastructure to maritime trade corridors.

"The United States has adopted a series of doctrinal documents, one of which proclaims that the US must dominate global energy markets," he said. "So their goal is entirely clear: they want to bring every significant energy supply route under their control."

Central to that strategy, Lavrov argued, is Washington's push to seize control of vital transit infrastructure, including the sabotaged Nord Stream pipelines and gas transit networks running through Ukraine. He further alleged that the U.S. intends to dictate future energy pricing and supply terms across Europe.

Should the Nord Stream pipelines resume operations, Lavrov contended, pricing would no longer be negotiated between Moscow and Berlin — but set instead by Washington.

"They want to purchase it at roughly one-tenth of what the Europeans paid for it," he said.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, Lavrov acknowledged that diplomatic lines between the two powers remain open, with contacts between the Russian Foreign Ministry and the U.S. State Department continuing. He noted that President Donald Trump had initiated outreach — but cautioned that words had yet to translate into action.

"However, nothing is happening in real life. Aside from this regular dialogue – which is normal in relations between people and countries – everything else follows the pattern initiated by President (Joe) Biden," he said.

Lavrov also confirmed that sanctions imposed under the Biden administration remain fully in effect, with further economic measures against Russia added since.

Turning to escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, Lavrov issued a stark warning about the cascading consequences of instability along key maritime routes, singling out Europe as particularly exposed.

"Europe will probably be impacted more than anyone else by the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Beyond that, bans on Russian gas and oil imports mean switching to US liquefied natural gas, which is dramatically more expensive," he said.

He painted a sweeping picture of converging threats to global energy stability.

"The Nord Stream pipelines have been blown up. Now we are witnessing an aggression in the Strait of Hormuz. Word is out that the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait could also become a zone of confrontation, and the ensuing damage to global energy markets would be immeasurable," he said.

MENAFN13052026000045017169ID1111108798