Russia claims US inciting attacks on TurkStream pipeline

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said that the US approved the execution of terrorist acts against energy infrastructure, with plans to disable the TurkStream pipeline.

Lavrov made these remarks during a press conference summarizing Russia's diplomatic activity in 2024, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media.

"No competition is needed for the US in any area, starting with energy, where they unabashedly approve terrorist activities aimed at destroying the foundation of the EU's energy security. They incite their Ukrainian clients to target not only the 'Nord Streams' but also the 'TurkStream' pipeline," he added.

Lavrov noted that the refusal to engage in fair competition and the use of dishonest, aggressive methods to suppress rivals is evident in the sanctioning policies that the US and its allies have made the cornerstone of their actions on the international stage against Russia, China, and others. 

"In the realm of sports, this is a continuous saga of transforming fair competitions and contests into tools serving the interests of the country that has declared itself the ultimate victor in everything," the minister added.

Moreover, Lavrov stated that the Armenia-Russia relations are complex, but dialogue continues, and a visit to Moscow by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan is scheduled in the near future.

He noted that the Armenian counterpart had accepted the invitation.

Lavrov also addressed Armenia's recent decision to begin the process of joining the EU and agreed with Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk's view on the incompatibility of membership in the EAEU and the EU.

"These are two different systems, two distinct free trade zones. However, it is Armenia's sovereign right. Nevertheless, weighing the pros and cons is also the responsibility of the Armenian government," Lavrov said.

While speaking about the CSTO, the minister reminded that Armenia is not participating in CSTO events but, to be fair, emphasised that Armenia does not block decision-making. As a result, the organization continues operating and functioning.

Meanwhile, Lavrov also stressed that if elected US President Donald Trump makes America even greater, it is necessary to pay attention to the methods by which this goal will be pursued. 

"If Mr. Trump, upon assuming the presidency, does indeed make America even greater, we will need to pay very close attention to the methods by which this goal will be pursued," said Lavrov.

Trump has repeatedly stated that Canada and Greenland should become part of the US. According to the politician, he also plans to regain control over the Panama Canal and rename the Gulf of Mexico as the American Gulf.

By Naila Huseynova