Russia issued a stern warning to U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, cautioning him against attempting to seize control of the Panama Canal, a critical maritime trade route.
Trump, in his inauguration speech Monday, reiterated his stance on reclaiming the canal, which the United States handed over to Panama in 1977. He described the canal as “vital” to American interests and criticized the current operations, particularly China’s involvement. “American ships are being severely overcharged,” Trump said. “And above all, China is operating the Panama Canal, and we didn’t give it to China; we gave it to Panama, and we’re taking it back.”
Russia’s foreign ministry responded Tuesday, asserting that the Panama Canal legally belongs to Panama and warning the U.S. against any efforts to reclaim it through military or economic means.
“We expect that during any discussions between the leadership of Panama and U.S. President Donald Trump on control of the Panama Canal, the parties will respect the current international legal regime governing this key waterway,” said Alexander Shchetinin, director of the Latin American department at the Russian foreign ministry, according to state media.
Shchetinin also emphasized Russia’s commitment to maintaining the canal’s neutrality and ensuring it remains a secure and open transit route for international trade. He added that the U.S. has “no right to interfere in Panama’s internal affairs.”
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and is a major trade artery for the U.S., handling about 40% of the country’s container ship traffic. Trump’s remarks have sparked diplomatic tensions, with Panama firmly asserting its sovereignty over the canal.
Last month, Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino rebuked Trump’s earlier comments, calling Panama’s control of the waterway “non-negotiable.” “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjoining zone is Panama’s and will remain so,” Mulino stated.
The canal was under U.S. control until 1977, when it was handed over to Panama under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. While Trump’s comments about the canal reflect his broader nationalist policies, they have drawn sharp criticism from multiple nations, including Russia. Moscow’s involvement highlights its geopolitical interest in countering U.S. influence in Central America.
