Russia has decided to speak out on the situation surrounding the Panama Canal after US President Donald Trump threatened to return the strategic facility to US control. Trump has repeatedly stressed that the Panama Canal, which was handed over to Panama in 1977, is of key importance to American interests and could be returned to US ownership.
The russian Foreign Ministry has urged Trump to refrain from any attempts to seize the canal, stressing that it legally belongs to Panama. The russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that "the US has no right to interfere in Panama's internal affairs". According to Politico, the statement was made by Alexander Shchetinin, director of the Latin American Department of the russian Foreign Ministry.
"We expect that during possible negotiations between the leadership of Panama and US President Donald Trump on control of the Panama Canal, the parties will adhere to the current international legal regime of this important waterway," Shchetinin said.
He emphasized that russia remains committed to maintaining the neutrality of the Panama Canal and advocates for this international transport route to be safe and open to all.
It is worth noting that the Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is one of the most important trade routes for the United States, through which about 40% of the country's container ships pass.
As Ukrainian News Agency earlier reported, on January 20, Donald Trump was sworn in and became US President for the second time.
Trump stated during his inauguration ceremony that he intends to return the Panama Canal to American control.
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino stated that his country does not intend to transfer control of the Panama Canal to the United States. If necessary, Panama will use international law to regulate relations with Washington.
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