Russia-US Dialogue Seen as a Stabilising Force, Gusarov Says

Dragon Media Newsroom

Alexander Gusarov, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s North Atlantic Department, has described regular consultations and working-level contacts between Russia and the United States as an important stabilising force in bilateral relations and the international security system.

In an interview with International Affairs magazine on October 22, Gusarov said restoring a constructive approach to relations would not automatically resolve the disagreements that had accumulated over the years. Considerable and painstaking work remained, he said.

Gusarov said Russia believed US President Donald Trump was sincere in seeking mutually acceptable terms for a lasting political settlement. He added that Moscow valued the efforts of Trump and his representatives.

Gusarov criticised the passage of the Lindsey Graham-backed sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, describing it as damaging to Russia. He noted that its adoption had proceeded despite Republicans holding majorities in both chambers of the US Congress.

He said Russia did not expect positive changes in relations with the United Kingdom following the formation of a new government in London, arguing that the British government had no interest in normalising ties.

Russia-Canada relations remained “near zero,” Gusarov said. He accused Canadian leaders of adopting an anti-Russian stance and supporting Ukraine. He also alleged that Canada’s post-1945 history included the settlement of Nazi war criminals and collaborators.

Gusarov criticised Ireland’s alignment with what he described as an anti-Russian consensus in Brussels and London, but said Russia remained open to restoring normal relations with Dublin.

The department was formally established on October 1, 1925, a date regarded as its founding anniversary, Gusarov said.