The first sanctions imposed on Russia by the United States in Donald Trump’s second term were received as a sign of “war” by Vladimir Putin’s regime.
Despite an initially mild statement from a Kremlin spokeswoman, stating that Moscow has already developed “immunity” against Western sanctions, former Russian president and one of Putin’s closest allies, Dmitry Medvedev, sent a warning to Washington this Thursday (23).
He said the new sanctions imposed on Russian oil companies make it clear that the United States is Moscow’s “adversary.” Putin’s ally even said that the recent measures amount to an “act of war”.
“The decisions taken are an act of war against Russia. And now we see that Trump has completely aligned himself with crazy Europe,” said the former Russian president.
The American government announced the decision to punish Moscow this Wednesday, justifying that the sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, two of Russia’s largest oil companies, are due to “Russia’s lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.”
Both companies have already been sanctioned by the United States, but now these new actions extend to subsidiaries and related companies in which they have more than 50% stake, directly or indirectly.
Shortly after the announcement, Russian diplomacy spokeswoman Maria Zajárova responded to the press that Russia will not be affected by the Treasury Department’s decision. “This decision will not cause any specific problems. Our country has developed solid immunity to Western restrictions and will confidently continue to develop its economic and political potential.”
Trump has shown increasing frustration in negotiating with Putin. This became clearer this week, when he canceled a summit scheduled for the end of the month with the Russian dictator as he considered it a “waste of time”, given that he has rejected all proposals for a ceasefire with Ukraine.
Hours after the meeting was postponed, Moscow launched attacks on civilian areas of Ukrainian territory, including a daycare center, where at least one person was killed and several children evacuated. Putin also followed military exercises by land, air and sea by Russian nuclear forces.
