Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday that new United States restrictions on the participation of Russia and other countries in Venezuela's oil sector constitute "open discrimination", reports "Reuters", reports News.bg.
The statement was made after the US Treasury Department issued a general authorization to facilitate the exploration and production of oil and gas in Venezuela, but explicitly excluded the possibility of transactions involving Russian and Chinese companies or citizens.
The Kremlin earlier announced that Moscow planned to ask Washington for official clarifications on the new restrictions. Lavrov stressed that Russia is in contact with the US side and insists on cooperation based on mutual respect, without striving for dominance.
Russia has long-standing historical and energy ties with Venezuela, including investments and joint projects. The state-owned company "Roszarubezhneft" controls assets in the country. After changes in the political situation and US interference in Venezuela's energy sector, Russian players have been pressured and forced to leave the market - according to Lavrov, this is part of a broader campaign to limit Russian influence.
Moscow will continue to monitor the situation and seek official clarifications from Washington, with the new restrictions, according to the Russian Foreign Minister, undermining the long-standing energy ties between the two countries.