Following President Trump's recent statements regarding the Panama Canal, Russia's foreign ministry has urged him to uphold the existing international agreement that grants Panama control over the vital waterway. Alexander Shchetinin, director of the ministry's Latin American department, expressed Russia's expectation that Trump will honor the current legal framework established by the 1977 treaties between the U.S. and Panama, which transferred control of the canal to Panama and guaranteed its neutrality.

President Donald Trump, left, and the Danish cargo ship Lars Maersk sails through the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon City, Panama, on Dec. 28, 2024, right. (Jim WATSON / AFP, left, ARNULFO FRANCO / AFP, right.)

Trump has repeatedly criticized Panama, claiming the country allows China to exert undue influence over the canal and that U.S. vessels are being unfairly charged. During his inaugural address, he reiterated these concerns and vowed to "take it back." Shchetinin emphasized the importance of respecting the canal's neutrality, highlighting a protocol signed by 40 countries, including Russia, that recognizes this status and aims to ensure its safety and accessibility.

Trump gives his second presidential inaugural address on Jan. 20, 2024.

Trump has previously referred to the agreement transferring control of the canal as a "big mistake" made by former President Carter. In his inaugural address, he stated that the U.S. had invested heavily in the canal's construction, both financially and in terms of human life, and felt that Panama had not honored its commitments. He also accused China of operating the canal, a claim refuted by the canal’s administrator, Ricaurte Vásquez, who affirmed that all nations are treated equally under the neutrality treaty.

The Marshall Islands cargo ship Cape Hellas, left, and the Portuguese cargo ship MSC Elma sail on Gatun Lake near the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon City, Panama, on Dec. 28, 2024.  (ARNULFO FRANCO/AFP via Getty Images)

Panama's President, José Raúl Mulino, rejected Trump’s assertions, emphasizing Panama's sovereignty over the canal and its commitment to maintaining its neutrality. He stressed the importance of dialogue to address any concerns without compromising Panama's ownership and control.