Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, gave a remarkable assessment of the emerging new economic order, the war in Ukraine and the unreliability of the United States as a negotiating partner in an interview with TV BRICS, which was published on February 9, 2026. Overall, he expressed no optimism for economic ties with the US, seeing no “bright” or “rosy” future there despite openness to cooperation in principle, while blaming the US for sabotaging relations and progress on Ukraine despite Trump’s stated desire to end the war. And that was just for starters. Foreign Minister Lavrov accused the United States of no longer being willing to implement its own proposals on Ukraine that were discussed during the August 2025 summit in Anchorage, Alaska (between Presidents Putin and Trump). Lavrov claimed Russia accepted the US proposal there, and if approached “like men” (or straightforwardly), the issue should have been resolved. Instead, he said Washington has backtracked, continuing policies like new sanctions, actions against Russian oil tankers (e.g., seizures by US forces), and blocking Russian energy exports. He also stated that after Anchorage, Russia and the US were supposed to move toward broad cooperation, but the opposite occurred, with the US creating “artificial barriers” and pursuing “economic dominance.” Son of the New American Revolution is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Lavrov reiterated Russia’s core demands for any settlement: eliminating the “Nazi foundations” of Ukraine (a reference to Russia’s longstanding “denazification” narrative), ensuring Russia’s security by preventing any weapons on Ukrainian territory that could threaten Russia, and effectively controlling aspects of Ukraine’s post-war military size, composition, and armament. He emphasized that Russia’s security requires addressing these, including in regions like Crimea, Donbas, and “Novorossiya.” Here are the key paragraphs from the interview regarding the war in Ukraine:
There was some doubt among some pundits in the West whether Russia had hardened its position after the December 28, 2025 drone attack on the official residence of Vladimir Putin in Valdai. I think Lavrov’s remarks to the BRICS journalist settles that question… The Russians are pissed off at Trump and his administration because Trump has not kept his promises to the Russians. If Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner make another trip to Russia, they are not likely to be warmly greeted by their Russian hosts. The Russian will be polite but, based on Lavrov’s remarks, they will demand substantive gestures that Trump will deliver what he has promised. Unless Trump moves soon to start lifting sanctions on Russia, ending the confiscation of Russian assets and following through on the promises made at Anchorage regarding the war in Ukraine, I believe that Vladimir Putin will conclude that further negotiations with Trump’s boys is a complete waste of time. While much of the media coverage of Lavrov’s remarks have focused on his clear frustration with Trump for failing to settle the war with Ukraine, Lavrov provided a master class on the economic transformation that is underway:
A new economic and political order is being assembled, piece-by-piece, with Russia and China working as partners and leading the way. The reign of US hegemony is dead… The only way America can be “Great Again” is that it must reject militarism and violence and turn instead to adopting policies that are based on genuine collaboration with the BRICS nations. Lavrov was not expressing his opinion in this interview… He was explaining how the government of Vladimir Putin views the world. Will Trump listen and comprehend the message? I doubt it. I did three podcasts today that are published: 1) Judge Napolitano, 2) David Oualaaloo and 3) Kyle Anzalone… Iran and Ukraine are the subjects that everyone wants to discuss: Son of the New American Revolution is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Invite your friends and earn rewardsIf you enjoy Son of the New American Revolution, share it with your friends and earn rewards when they subscribe. © 2026 Larry C Johnson |