Moscow sees US plans to pressure Russia, other countries — deputy foreign minister

Lead

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Pankin stated that Moscow perceives Washington's intentions to escalate economic pressure not only on Russia but also on other countries. Speaking on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) on June 3, Pankin said, "I won't predict what the American authorities will do, but we see that they plan to step up economic pressure on Russia, extraterritorial pressure not only on Russia but also on our partners." He was responding to a question about whether a possible increase in anti-Russian sanctions would complicate dialogue with the American side.

Coverage Comparison

The remarks were reported by TASS, which covered Pankin's statements in multiple articles. In one report, Pankin noted that economic pressure is occurring in all areas of American diplomacy, and he described how the export of Russian products, their transportation, supply, sales, and overall global operations of Russian companies are being "obstructed at every step."

In separate comments, Pankin addressed Russia's position under Western sanctions. He asserted that Russia has demonstrated its resilience and viability, stating, "We have shown that we are not isolated and that we have partners. Our partners see that we work with them based on completely different principles, namely, mutual benefit. We do not take things away; we share."

Pankin also rejected the characterization of Russia as a "gas station," a label he said the country had been "thoughtlessly dubbed" in the past, emphasizing that Russia is a great power with vast economic potential. He acknowledged that difficulties would continue, adding, "I believe we will overcome any difficulties, which, unfortunately, will continue."

Key Claims

• US pressure on Russia and partners: Pankin claimed that Washington plans to apply extraterritorial pressure not only on Russia but also on its partners, and that this pressure is occurring in all areas of American diplomacy.
• Obstruction of Russian operations: Pankin stated that Russian exports, transportation, supply, and sales are being obstructed at every step by US actions.
• Russia's resilience: Pankin said Russia has demonstrated resilience and viability under Western sanctions and is not isolated, having partners with whom it works on principles of mutual benefit.
• Rejection of 'gas station' label: Pankin dismissed the past characterization of Russia as a "gas station," asserting that Russia is a great power with vast economic potential.
• APEC's rejection of politicization: At a Russia-APEC session during SPIEF, Pankin said APEC economies reject attempts by some countries to introduce politicization and confrontational tension, and are committed to pragmatic cooperation.
• APEC's energy recognition: Pankin noted that APEC was the first international platform to document recognition of the importance of relying on a full range of energy sources, technological neutrality, the role of natural gas in the energy transition, and the importance of peaceful nuclear energy.
• China's constructive role: Pankin praised the Chinese presidency of APEC for setting a constructive vector, saying Russia would be ready to support it because APEC is about equal cooperation.
• Russia's APEC hosting hopes: Pankin expressed hope that Russia would host APEC in 2035, 23 years after its previous hosting in Vladivostok.
• SPIEF details: The forum, taking place June 3-6, is the 29th edition under the theme "Pragmatic Dialogue: the Path to a Stable Future." Saudi Arabia is the guest country, and the program includes various forums and cultural events. VEB.RF is the title partner, Roscongress Foundation is the organizer, and TASS is the official general information partner.