Special envoys from each country aim to bring closer positions after the North American measures against Rosneft and Lukoil, the largest Russian oil producers.
After a meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putinscheduled to take place in Hungary last week, diplomatic representatives of Russia and the United States They seek to reach an agreement that can defuse the trade conflict that began after the North American sanction on strategic Russian sectors.
The meeting took place between the special envoy of Russia, Kirill Dmitriev (in charge of investment and economic cooperation) and Steve Witkoff (diplomat for Middle East) in Miamidays after the US Treasury Department announced sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, the two largest Russian oil producers. The measure prohibits any foreign transaction with companies without authorization, which implied a stoppage of purchases of oil barrels from China and Indiafor fear of retaliation.
The decision is considered to have been US move to press for declaration of peace with Ukraine. Scott Bessent, head of the North American Treasury, confirmed the hypothesis with a request for an “immediate ceasefire.”
“Dialogue between Russia and the United States will continue, but it is certainly only possible if Russia’s interests are taken into account and treated with respect,” said Dmitriev, who confirmed that the meeting between Trump and Putin will happen, but on another date.
Kirill Dmitriev Russia
Vladimir Putin’s harsh statements against sanctions
The president Vladimir Putin said this Thursday that Russia will never give in to US pressure nor from any other country. In addition, he warned that the response to any attack inside his nation would be “very serious and with consequences.”
US sanctions are an “unfriendly” act and “they will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly affect our economic well-being,” Putin said, according to Reuters. Furthermore, he added that the Russian energy sector feels confident.
“This is, of course, an attempt to put pressure on Russia,” he reflected, adding that, however, “no self-respecting country or people ever decides anything under pressure.”
Source: Ambito
