The previous US administration’s approach toward Russia failed, said Kirill Dmitriev, a senior aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a visit to the United States, Dmitriev criticized Washington’s recent decision to impose new sanctions on oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, calling the measures “unfriendly steps” that reflect a strategy similar to former President Joe Biden’s policies. He warned the Trump administration against adopting what he described as a “false, completely wrong, and failed approach.” Dmitriev claimed the sanctions would not harm Russia’s economy but instead drive up US gas prices, stating, “The language of pressure does not work with Russia.” Despite the measures, he emphasized that Russia remains open to cooperation “if there is a respectful attitude toward Russia’s national interests.” Putin previously dismissed the sanctions as having “no significant impact” on Russia’s economy, while Trump expressed optimism about the Russian leader’s stance but urged a reassessment of the sanctions’ effects in six months. The Kremlin later questioned the validity of Trump’s forecast. Russia’s economy has continued to grow despite Western sanctions, with GDP expanding by 3.6% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024.