In a bold US visit, President Putin's aide Kirill Dmitriev slammed new sanctions on Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil as "unfriendly" echoes of Biden's failed strategy. Warning the Trump administration against repeating past mistakes, he stressed: "Sanctions won't dent Russia's economy—they'll just hike US gas prices." Despite Western pressures, Russia's GDP surged 4.3% in 2024, proving resilience. Dmitriev calls for respectful dialogue to unlock economic cooperation, aligning with Putin's stance that Moscow won't bow. Trump hinted at delayed impacts, but Kremlin doubts it. This pivotal moment tests US-Russia relations under new leadership.
RT reports: Dmitriev made the remarks during a visit to the US on Friday, which comes just days after Washington announced new sanctions on Russia targeting oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil. The presidential aide described the measures as “unfriendly steps,” insisting that “the language of pressure does not work with Russia.”
These actions resemble the strategy employed by former President Joe Biden, Dmitriev said, warning the Trump administration against repeating an approach that has already failed.
“Sanctions and unfriendly measures will have no impact on the Russian economy. They will only lead to growing prices at United States gas stations because the prices are already going up,” he said.
“We will convey to our American colleagues that they must not become the Bidens, must not follow the false, completely wrong and failed approaches of Biden and his administration.”
Despite Washington’s latest moves, Russia remains open to cooperation, Dmitriev maintained. “The potential for economic cooperation with Russia remains, but only if there is a respectful attitude toward Russia’s national interests.”
Putin stated on Thursday that the new sanctions would not have a significant impact on Russia’s economy, adding that Moscow will never bow to pressure.
Asked about the Russian leader’s reaction, Trump said he is “glad” Putin “feels that way,” but hinted that the impact of the sanctions will be felt months later. The Kremlin later expressed skepticism over the US president’s forecast.
The Russian economy has grown steadily over the past few years, despite the unprecedented Western sanctions. GDP grew by 3.6% in 2023 and by 4.3% in 2024.