Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov has stated that Moscow remains open to restoring relations with the United States despite new punitive measures imposed by Washington. The latest sanctions, targeting oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, were labeled an “unfriendly step” by Peskov, who argued they hindered efforts to improve bilateral ties. However, he emphasized that Russia would continue pursuing diplomatic engagement.
Speaking to Russian journalist Pavel Zarubin on Sunday, Peskov reiterated Moscow’s commitment to maintaining “good relations with all countries, including the US,” despite the sanctions. An aide to President Vladimir Putin, Kirill Dmitriev, echoed this stance during his visit to Washington, asserting that “only constructive, respectful dialogue between Russia and the US can bear fruit.” Dmitriev, also head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, dismissed Western pressure as ineffective, citing the country’s economic resilience.
Putin himself described the sanctions as an “unfriendly move” but downplayed their impact on Russia’s economy. He stressed that no nation should make decisions “under pressure,” a sentiment reflected in Moscow’s continued efforts to diversify its economic focus. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin noted earlier this year that Russia’s reliance on oil and gas exports has been declining, even as Western sanctions persist.
