The Kremlin said on Thursday that new sanctions approved by the US Congress against Russia would complicate efforts to reach a peace agreement on the war in Ukraine, describing the measures awaiting US President Donald Trump's approval as hostile.
Kremlin warns of complications for settlement efforts
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that "The imposition of new US sanctions will undoubtedly complicate efforts aimed at finding a peaceful settlement in Ukraine." He added that Moscow was monitoring developments on the US legislation, which Russia has called the "hell sanctions" law.
The US House of Representatives approved a broad package of sanctions on Wednesday aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over the war in Ukraine, then sent the bill to Trump after months of delay. The package passed by 262 votes to 159 in the Republican-controlled House, securing final approval from Congress.
The Senate had previously approved it in August by a vote of 86 to 11, while Trump said he would sign the bill. The legislation covers Russia's energy and defence sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and several senior officials. It also targets what is known as the "shadow fleet", a group of Russian oil tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions.
