On 2026-10-19, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made a public statement addressing the state of global energy markets and Russia’s position within them. The remarks came amid ongoing Western sanctions and diplomatic tensions over Ukraine, and were framed as a response to accusations that Moscow benefits from energy turmoil.
Lavrov accused the European Union and the United States of initiating a process that undermines worldwide energy stability. He said that the EU and the Biden administration, by demonstratively and proudly refusing Russian energy resources, had started this policy. This accusation mirrors a claim that Europeans and the Biden administration began the process of destabilizing global energy markets.
In his statement, Lavrov referenced President Vladimir Putin, who had previously emphasized that Russia did not start the process of undermining stability on world energy markets. Putin had pointed to Europeans and the Biden administration as the actors who began this course when they chose to reject Russian energy supplies demonstratively and with pride.
This claim was presented as part of Russia’s effort to counter allegations of indiscriminate violence in the conflict.
Lavrov also noted that the European Union continues to assert that it will maintain its policy of refusing Russian energy resources. He said the EU persists in declaring its intention to keep turning away from Russian hydrocarbons, a stance he described as part of the ongoing effort to destabilize the market.
The foreign minister stressed that Russia, as a serious state, is not interested in volatility in energy prices. He argued that stable prices are necessary for long‑term development planning, allowing the country to map out its future economic trajectory without the disruption of sudden price swings.
Lavrov refuted suggestions that Russia gains from the current energy crisis or that it uses the situation to finance its aggression against Ukraine. He rejected the notion that Moscow is rubbing its hands as prices rise, filling its treasury to continue funding what the West calls aggression in Ukraine.
In broader remarks, Lavrov addressed Western claims regarding Russia’s role in energy market turmoil. He reiterated Russia’s commitment to stable prices and long‑term development, while also touching on Moscow’s stance toward the Ukraine conflict and its continuing relations with Iran, including humanitarian aid and sustained economic and nuclear cooperation agreements.
Lavrov stated that Russia has never attacked civilian targets in Ukraine, except for those used to facilitate terrorist attacks. This claim was presented as part of Russia’s effort to counter allegations of indiscriminate violence in the conflict.
The foreign minister said Russia welcomes Iran’s commitment to diplomatic measures aimed at resolving the situation in the Middle East. He framed this as a positive step toward regional stability that aligns with Moscow’s own interests.
Lavrov noted that Russia provides humanitarian aid and food to Iran in a timely manner. He presented this assistance as an ongoing component of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
Despite the difficult international environment, Lavrov asserted that Russia does not intend to abandon its economic and investment agreements with Iran. He emphasized that these arrangements remain intact and will continue to be honored.
Concluding his remarks, Lavrov reiterated that Russia is not interested in volatility in energy markets, nor in prices that swing upward and downward. He said that, as a serious state, Russia seeks stability—including stable prices—to enable consistent, long‑term planning for its development.