Kremlin Warns: New US Sanctions Impede Ukraine Peace Efforts

The Kremlin affirmed on Thursday that new sanctions approved by the US Congress against Russia, which have been forwarded to President Donald Trump for approval, complicate the achievement of a peace agreement on Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesman, described the American measures as "hostile," noting to journalists that "the imposition of new US sanctions will undoubtedly complicate efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement in Ukraine." Russia considers the adoption of the "hellish sanctions" law in the United States as hostile acts and is closely monitoring the situation regarding this American law imposing sanctions on it. The US House of Representatives had approved on Wednesday a comprehensive package of sanctions aimed at pressuring Russia over its war in Ukraine, sending the bill to President Trump after months of delay. The Republican-dominated House voted on the package with a majority of 262 votes to 159, granting final Congressional approval for this legislation, which represents the largest US legislative effort against Moscow since Trump took office. Trump had previously stated that he would sign the bill, which easily passed the Senate in August with a majority of 86 votes to 11. The new legislation targets Russia's energy and defense sectors, including President Vladimir Putin and other senior officials, as well as what is known as the "shadow fleet" of Russian oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions. The law also grants Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas, including China and India, in an attempt to cut off revenues funding Moscow's military operations.