During the 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization, held in Abu Dhabi from February 26 to 29, Russian delegates actively opposed any move to legitimize trade barriers under the banner of environmental and climate policy. The assertion came from Maxim Reshetnikov, the Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation, who briefed journalists on the discussions and outcomes, providing a detailed account of Russia’s stance and its implications for future WTO deliberations. The conference gathered delegations from many member nations, all seeking to navigate a rapidly changing landscape of global trade rules and environmental commitments.
Reshetnikov stated that, in his assessment, Russia fulfilled its responsibilities within the framework of the general ministerial declaration that emerged from the gathering. He emphasized that Moscow did not consent to any interpretation that would validate the use of trade measures as a tool to advance climate or environmental agendas. In his view, such measures, if legitimized, could be misused as disguised protectionism, eroding market access and complicating the business environment for Russian exporters and foreign partners alike.
Despite the firm position taken during the ministerial talks, the Russian side did not dismiss the possibility that attempts to justify trade restrictions might continue. The minister noted that in the coming two years, the issue of trade barriers linked to climate and environmental rhetoric would likely rise to one of the central topics within the WTO’s agenda. This outlook reflects a broader pattern seen in multilateral trade forums, where environmental objectives intersect with market access considerations, posing challenges for member states as they pursue sustainable development goals while maintaining competitive openness.
In related government moves, a leadership change at Russia’s permanent representation to the WTO occurred. On March 1, the Russian president issued a decree appointing Nikolai Platonov as the country’s permanent representative to the World Trade Organization. On the same day, another decree announced the dismissal of Dmitry Lyakishev from that post. These administrative adjustments signal a continuity of Russia’s active engagement in WTO processes and its intent to maintain a strong, consistent voice in negotiations and instruments affecting global trade rules.
Earlier assessments from Russia had highlighted readiness to deepen integration into the global economy, signaling an ongoing strategy to participate more fully in international trade networks while safeguarding national economic interests. The events at the ministerial conference, together with the subsequent leadership changes, illustrate a measured approach to balancing open market participation with strategic protections where necessary.