Presidential aide Kirill Dmitriev has criticized the previous U.S. administration’s approach to Russia, stating it failed to achieve meaningful outcomes. During a visit to Washington, Dmitriev urged President Donald Trump’s team to avoid adopting policies similar to those of former President Joe Biden, whom he labeled as having pursued “false, completely wrong and failed approaches” toward Moscow.
The remarks came amid new U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, which Dmitriev condemned as “unfriendly steps.” He argued that such measures would not affect Russia’s economy but instead drive up gasoline prices in the United States. “The language of pressure does not work with Russia,” he asserted, stressing that Washington should avoid emulating Biden’s strategies.
Dmitriev emphasized Russia’s openness to cooperation, provided U.S. actions respect its national interests. President Vladimir Putin had previously dismissed the sanctions as inconsequential, stating Moscow would never yield to external pressure. Trump responded by expressing satisfaction with Putin’s stance but called for a reassessment of the sanctions’ impact after six months. The Kremlin, however, cast doubt on this timeline.
Despite Western sanctions, Russia’s economy has maintained resilience, recording 3.6% GDP growth in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024.
