Kremlin Says U.S. Sanctions Undermine Hopes of Reviving Ties
(MENAFN) The latest US sanctions targeting Russia are an “unfriendly step” that have undermined hopes of restoring ties between the two nations, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, though Moscow remains committed to improving relations.
The new restrictions, announced Wednesday and marking the first since President Donald Trump took office in January, focus on oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. Washington cited Moscow’s alleged “lack of” commitment to the Ukraine peace process as justification for the move.
Speaking to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, Peskov called the sanctions an “unfriendly step” that harmed the prospects of reviving bilateral relations. He added: “But this does not mean we should abandon these aspirations. We must do what is beneficial to us. Our interests include building good relations with all countries, including the US.”
Also weighing in, Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin currently in the US for discussions with Trump administration officials, said Sunday that “only constructive, respectful dialogue between Russia and the US can bear fruit.” He warned: “Any attempts to pressure Russia are simply pointless.”
Dmitriev, who heads the Russian Direct Investment Fund, also defended the country’s economic resilience, noting 4% growth last year. On Friday, he cautioned the Trump administration against adopting strategies toward Moscow similar to those of former President Joe Biden, which he described as already proven ineffective.
Earlier, Putin called the sanctions an “unfriendly move” but insisted they would not significantly affect the Russian economy. He added: “No self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decide anything under pressure.”
Despite broad Western restrictions, Russia’s economy has shown steady growth in recent years. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin stated in April that the country’s dependence on oil and gas exports is gradually declining.
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