He argued that these efforts were "contrary to the fact that now, purely economically and financially, the United States can no longer—singlehandedly or with its closest allies—resolve all issues in the global economy and world affairs.
"In order to artificially retain their dominance, to regain indisputable positions, they employ various methods of pressure and blackmail to coerce economically and through the use of information," said Lavrov.
Washington and Moscow, rival superpowers during the decadeslong Cold War, have somewhat resumed their bout for global influence in the 21st century.
As Russia worked toward building new nuclear-capable hypersonic and cruise missiles, the U.S. scrambled to build new defenses capable of intercepting them, even from space.
Moscow counterclaimed that Washington was breaking the treaty by installing missile defenses that could allegedly also be used to attack from Eastern Europe.
Now the two are struggling to find common ground in renewing the New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) that would limit their nuclear arsenals.
China and Iran—with whom Russia has expanded relations in the face of perceived U.S. hostilities—also sent aircraft, allegedly to help with humanitarian aid and the resumption of direct flights, respectively. »
