Those who advise US President Donald Trump to impose sanctions against Russia in the oil sector are working against the United States itself, Russian President Vladimir Putin said during a meeting with journalists.
He said that he had discussed the situation with Russian oil on the world market with Trump.
„If the amount of our oil and oil products on the world market sharply decreases, this will lead to a sharp increase in the price of oil and oil products, including at gas stations – and the United States is no exception. And given the domestic political calendar in the United States, it is clear how sensitive some processes will be in this regard. And those who advise the current US administration on such decisions – "We need to understand who they are working for," the head of state noted.
On October 22, the United States imposed sanctions on more than 30 subsidiaries of Rosneft and Lukoil. However, they do not apply to their transactions with the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, which is used by the United States itself, and the Tengizchevroil company.
Putin called the new restrictions a "hostile act" that does not strengthen Russian-American relations. He assured that the restrictions will not significantly affect the economic situation: there will be some losses, but the Russian energy sector "feels confident". The president noted that Russia, as a self-respecting country, does not intend to make decisions under pressure.
Speaking about the cancellation of the bilateral meeting, Putin suggested that Trump had in mind its postponement. He added that in a phone conversation with his American counterpart, Trump himself suggested organizing a summit in Budapest. According to the Russian leader, it would be a mistake to approach the event unprepared.
US President Donald Trump continues to look for ways to put pressure not only on Russia but also on Volodymyr Zelensky to achieve a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine, US Permanent Representative to NATO Matthew Whitaker said on the Newsmax program.
“President Trump is trying to explore ways to continue to put pressure on Vladimir Putin, to continue to put pressure, frankly, on Volodymyr Zelensky... to bring the two sides to the negotiating table, to agree on a ceasefire,“ he said.
On Thursday evening, White House spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt said that the United States is not abandoning its plans to hold a meeting between the leaders of the two countries.