Lavrov says Western countries seek control of strategic resource trade

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Western countries seek control of strategic resource trade, including energy supplies and critical minerals.

He argues that trade rules are shifting from universal standards to bloc-based rules.

Lavrov says Western countries are demanding sensitive information and that trading partners give up independent regulatory frameworks.

He says countries in the Global South and East are diversifying supply chains and that trade routes are becoming less centred on Western markets.

Developing economies in the Asia-Pacific region are expected to grow by about 5% in 2026, according to Lavrov.

The shift could change how strategic resources move between countries, but Lavrov did not describe any specific next steps.