Russia has 'no expectation' of better US ties after Bolton ouster

Published September 11, 2019
“We judge on acts not declarations or intentions," says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. — Photo courtesy TASS
“We judge on acts not declarations or intentions," says Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov. — Photo courtesy TASS

Russia said on Wednesday it has “no expectation” of any improvement in relations with Washington after the dismissal of United States President Donald Trump's national security adviser John Bolton.

“We have observed several times in the past that changes in the US administration bring no improvement. That's why we have no expectation,” Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Novosti news agency.

“We judge on acts not declarations or intentions. When we see progress, then we can say that something has changed.”

President Trump on Tuesday announced the firing of Bolton, a foreign policy hawk with whom he had disagreed on a number of issues including Iran and North Korea.

Relations between Moscow and Washington, at their lowest level since the end of the Cold War, have been battered by differences over Ukraine and accusations of Russian interference in the 2016 US presidential elections.

Opinion

Editorial

Budget presser
Updated 14 Jun, 2026

Budget presser

If the FBR falters, the government will find itself in hot water sooner rather than later.
Muharram precautions
14 Jun, 2026

Muharram precautions

WITH Muharram due to start next week, the authorities have already begun annual exercises to ensure that the ...
Blood bequests
14 Jun, 2026

Blood bequests

WORLD Blood Donor Day offers a moment of “gratitude, advocacy and renewed commitment” for thalassaemia patients...
Sustainable path?
Updated 13 Jun, 2026

Sustainable path?

The FY27 budget is the first clear signal that the government is ready to transition from stabilisation to growth.
Prioritising education
13 Jun, 2026

Prioritising education

THOUGH the improvement in the country’s literacy rate may be slight, as highlighted by the Economic Survey, it ...
Poverty’s rise
13 Jun, 2026

Poverty’s rise

AS attention turns to the government’s plans for the coming fiscal year, one set of figures deserves particular...