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Public statements about US' discrimination voiced in EU — Lavrov

Lavrov also pointed out that Washington had refused to export gas to Europe at spot prices, insisting on long-term contracts

MOSCOW, January 18. /TASS/. Public statements about Washington’s discriminatory policy are emerging in the European Union, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Wednesday at a press conference on the results of Russia’s diplomatic activities in 2022.

"The European Union has completely lost its independence, as it is beholden to NATO. Public statements about discrimination are already brewing in the EU," he said, citing French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire’s remarks that Europe’s industry pays four times more for gas than the US.

"The transition to LNG, despite price fluctuations, marks a serious increase in the cost of production in Europe," the Russian foreign minister said.

Lavrov also pointed out that Washington had refused to export gas to Europe at spot prices, insisting on long-term contracts. According to Lavrov, such actions by the United States are aimed at weakening Europe’s economy, since "European industries are already starting to relocate to the US."

"Political analysts, including Western ones, say that one of the objectives of the developments around Ukraine is to dramatically decrease Europe’s competitiveness," Russia’s top diplomat said, adding that after that the US would attempt to weaken other rivals in world markets.