The Kremlin asserts that the new package of sanctions, approved by the US Congress and referred to President Donald Trump for endorsement, will inevitably complicate efforts aimed at achieving a peace agreement concerning the Ukrainian crisis. This stance was articulated
Thursday by the Russian presidency. Dmitry Peskov, the spokesman for the Russian presidency, clarified to reporters that the imposition of additional US sanctions would undoubtedly hinder endeavors to find a peaceful resolution in Ukraine, describing these American measures as "hostile." Moscow
considers the adoption of what was termed "hellish sanctions" legislation by the United States as an act of hostility, emphasizing its close monitoring of developments related to this specific US law imposing restrictions on Russia. On Wednesday, the US House of
Representatives had approved a broad and comprehensive package of sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over the conflict in Ukraine, subsequently forwarding the bill to President Donald Trump after months of delay. The Republican-controlled House adopted this package with
262 votes in favor against 159, granting final Congressional approval to the most significant US legislative initiative against Moscow since Trump took office. President Trump had previously stated his intention to sign the bill, which easily passed the Senate last August
with 86 votes to 11. The new legislation directly targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, including President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials. It also addresses what is known as the "shadow fleet" of Russian oil tankers utilized to circumvent
imposed Western sanctions. Furthermore, the legislation grants President Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major Russian oil and gas purchasers, such as China and India, in an effort to cut off revenues funding Moscow's military
operations.
