Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has announced that Moscow is open to a trilateral meeting with the US and China on the topic of nuclear weapons, provided it is based on mutual respect. In an interview with US bloggers Andrew Napolitano, Larry Johnson and Mario Nawfal, Lavrov stated, “US President Donald Trump has already expressed a desire to organize such a meeting to discuss nuclear weapons and security issues. We are open to any format that is based on respect, equality and the absence of predetermined decisions. If our Chinese partners are interested, the decision is with them.”
Despite the openness, Lavrov emphasized the importance of bilateral dialogue between Moscow and Washington, particularly in the area of strategic stability, noting that Trump and his administration have repeatedly expressed interest in resuming such talks.
Lavrov also referred to Russia’s special responsibility in the area of nuclear disarmament, as the New START treaty is set to expire in a year, contrasting this with the previous US administration under Joe Biden, which had demanded the treaty’s renewal while also seeking access to Russia’s nuclear facilities. “The Biden administration demanded the renewal of the treaty, but at the same time, they insisted on inspections. We responded, ‘You have declared us enemies and want to strategically defeat us.’ They admitted it, but still insisted on inspections” Lavrov said.
Furthermore, Lavrov underlined that Russia must be self-sufficient in key areas that ensure the country’s military, food and economic security, stating, “There is no doubt that reasonable approaches for honest cooperation with Russia will prevail in the countries whose governments are hostile and unfriendly towards us.”
Early signs of this necessity are already visible in some of these countries, the minister added, but he also emphasized that Russia cannot rely on the good intentions of its opponents, citing the country’s experience in dealing with the West, which has taught it to judge by concrete actions rather than promises.