Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov Accuses US of Destabilizing Global Order

Lavrov Condemns US Actions in Venezuela and Iran

On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov publicly accused the United States of deliberately dismantling the international order. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow alongside his Namibian counterpart, Lavrov specifically highlighted US actions concerning Venezuela and Iran as key examples of this alleged destabilization.

Lavrov asserted that the US operation to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro constituted a 'gross violation of international law.' This operation reportedly took place around January 3, 2026, with a subsequent seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker, the Bella 1 (renamed Marinera), on January 8, 2026, in the North Sea. The Russian Foreign Minister also dismissed US threats against Iran, stating unequivocally that such threats would not alter the nature of Russian-Iranian relations or their bilateral agreements.

Fragmentation of the Global System

According to Lavrov, these actions by Washington indicate a broader strategy to undermine the very international system that the US itself helped to establish. He declared that the entire international order and globalization had been 'flushed down the drain' and were now fragmenting. Lavrov suggested that by abandoning the principles it had long promoted, the United States was damaging its own global image, making its 'American colleagues look unreliable.'

Russia reiterated its commitment to its existing agreements with both Venezuela and Iran, considering Venezuela a crucial ally. Moscow views the US as a primary rule-breaker, advocating for a more multipolar world order. In a related statement, Lavrov noted that Russian President Vladimir Putin remains open to serious discussions regarding peace in Ukraine and that Washington should inform Moscow of any new peace proposals, positioning Russia as a party open to dialogue.

International Reactions and Geopolitical Implications

The US operation in Venezuela drew significant international criticism. The UN Secretary-General warned that the operation set a 'dangerous precedent,' and condemnations of varying intensity were issued by the European Union, the African Union, ECOWAS, China, and Russia. Despite the strong rhetoric, some analyses suggest that Russia's response to the Venezuelan situation has been somewhat restrained, with Moscow reportedly prioritizing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Reports from sources like Bloomberg indicate that relations with the United States are currently of greater importance to the Kremlin than its commitments in Venezuela. While the capture of Nicolas Maduro is considered unpleasant, it is not viewed as strategically catastrophic for Russia. Similarly, while Russia may offer public support to Iran, it is considered unlikely to become deeply involved in assisting Tehran due to its focus on the war in Ukraine and limited capabilities.