The Kremlin on Monday denounced the latest US sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, warning they could destabilize global energy markets. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow would take all necessary steps to mitigate the sanctions’ impact.
“The United States continues to undermine our companies’ positions through non-competitive methods, but we are confident in our ability to counteract these moves,” Peskov said.
He added that the sanctions, targeting Russian oil producers Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, along with 183 oil-shipping vessels, would disrupt international energy and oil markets. The Kremlin pledged to monitor developments closely and adjust operations to minimize the impact of what it described as “illegal decisions.”
The US Treasury introduced these broader sanctions on Friday, aiming to curtail Russia’s oil revenues, a primary source of funding for its war in Ukraine. A US official estimated that the measures could cost Russia billions of dollars monthly if strictly enforced.
The sanctions have already triggered a response from China and India, Russia’s key oil buyers, who are now seeking alternative crude suppliers. The targeted vessels were heavily used for shipping oil to these two nations.
Peskov emphasized that modern energy supply chains adapt quickly to disruptions. “When one route is blocked, alternatives emerge. Efforts will focus on finding solutions to minimize the sanctions’ effects,” he said.
