Lavrov: Russia Forced to Ditch Dollar Settlements Due to US Failures

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia and its BRICS/SCO partners are compelled to shift away from dollar-based trade settlements due to the US failing its obligations as the dollar's issuer. This is a continuation of Russia's de-dollarization push, but the framing as 'forced' signals a hardening stance. The statement is rhetorical, with no new policy action, but reinforces the trend toward alternative payment systems.