Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov warned in an interview Friday that the United States and Russia are approaching “direct military conflict,” which he attributed to President Joe Biden’s actions. In his conversation with Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily, Lavrov pointed to what he describes as Biden’s “Russophobia” as a driving force behind heightened tensions.
Lavrov noted that U.S.-Russia relations have deteriorated sharply, saying, “Under the current president… our countries are on the brink of direct military conflict,” as reported by the Business Recorder. Lavrov emphasized that Moscow considers Biden’s stance on Russia to be an escalation that brings both nations dangerously close to open conflict.
When asked if Russia has a preferred outcome in the U.S. election, Lavrov stated that Moscow remains neutral. He observed that the Trump administration implemented more anti-Russia sanctions than any prior U.S. administration, implying Russia’s skepticism that the election would yield any positive change.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took a more sarcastic approach, claiming Biden was once his “favorite” candidate and quipping that, because Biden endorsed Kamala Harris, Russia would “support” her, mocking Harris’ “expressive” laugh.
These statements from Lavrov and Putin suggest a highly tense U.S.-Russia relationship under Biden, with Lavrov’s remarks serving as a stark reminder of the serious geopolitical concerns as the U.S. election draws closer.
