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14 Jan, 09:48Updated at: 11:06

Biden seeks to spoil things for incoming US administration before stepping down — Lavrov

"This is exactly what Barack Obama did three weeks before Donald Trump’s first inauguration as president, expelling 120 Russian diplomatic workers," the top Russian diplomat emphasized

MOSCOW, January 14. /TASS/. The outgoing administration of US President Joe Biden is attempting to create obstacles for US President-elect Donald Trump before its term concludes, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said.

"The Biden administration [seeks] to spoil things for the incoming administration before it leaves office. This is a political tactic typical of Democrats. This is exactly what Barack Obama did three weeks before Donald Trump’s first inauguration as president, expelling 120 Russian diplomatic workers," Lavrov emphasized at an annual news conference dedicated to reviewing Moscow’s main foreign policy achievements in 2024.

According to Lavrov, the Biden administration is also trying to "harm relations" with Serbia by pressuring the removal of Russian investments from the Serbian oil industry.

"When you’ve lost an election and your team’s vision for America hasn’t been supported by the majority of Americans, ethical behavior and basic decency dictate that you spend the transition period doing no harm, recognizing that the people have chosen a new direction," the Russian foreign minister stressed. "But instead, they opt to behave differently, making dramatic exits designed to draw attention," he added.

Lavrov also noted that attempts are underway to pressure Serbia into recognizing Kosovo. "The Serbian president has repeatedly stated that such a policy – promoted by the Europeans and clearly encouraged by the US—is unacceptable," Lavrov concluded.