MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The past year has been a tough one for Russia, as the countries that see Russia as a competitor for world dominance exert pressure on Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated during the interview with the Rossiya-1 channel, published on the Russian Foreign Ministry’s website.
"I think there is no need to even mention that the year has been tough. Just like the fact that Russia is constantly finding itself under pressure from the side of those who see it as some competitor for some dominant positions in global politics," Lavrov noted. "US’ actions serve as an example of this."
The Russian minister also noted that the US openly state the need for the containment of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.
Lavrov added that Russia would like to see a more independent position of the European countries concerning foreign policy issues, however, they continue to follow the US policy, even when it goes against their own interests.