Russia has rejected the latest U.S. sanctions imposed on its oil industry, warning that the move could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war in Ukraine.
In a statement on Thursday, October 23, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the sanctions — introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump against the country’s two largest oil firms — as “entirely counterproductive.” The measures, announced a day earlier on October 22, reportedly came after Trump expressed frustration over stalled peace talks with President Vladimir Putin.
According to reports, Trump had held off on imposing new restrictions for months but decided to move forward after a planned summit with Putin in Budapest collapsed.
“We regard this step as completely counterproductive, particularly when it comes to signalling the importance of achieving meaningful, negotiated solutions to the Ukrainian conflict,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said during her weekly briefing.
Zakharova emphasized that Russia’s economy remains strong despite Western pressure. “Our country has developed a solid immunity to Western sanctions and will continue to confidently expand its economic and energy potential,” she added.
The sanctions form part of Washington’s broader effort to increase pressure on Moscow over its ongoing military actions in Ukraine. However, the Kremlin insists that such measures will not change Russia’s policies or hinder its long-term energy objectives.
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