Among the deniers was Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova — a leading Kremlin propagandist — who said the sanctions imposed on energy companies Rosneft and Lukoil were no big deal. “As far as we are concerned, we will not encounter any particular difficulties” Zakharova said, avoiding any mention of Donald Trump. “In connection with the above-mentioned decision of the US Treasury, our country has developed strong resistance to Western restrictions and will continue to constantly develop its economic potential, including in the energy sector.”
“If anyone had any illusions… The United States is our adversary and its talkative 'peacemaker' has now entered the war against Russia. Yes, he is not actively fighting on Kiev's side, but from now on it is his conflict, not Biden's.” — wrote former Russian President Dimitry Medvedev in a position published on the Telegram platform.
“Some will say that he had no other choice, he was pressured by Congress and others. But this does not change the fact: this decision is an act of war against Russia and Trump is now in full solidarity with crazy Europe,” the former president added.
During a Foreign Ministry press briefing, Maria Zakharova stated that Russia would remain open to contact with the US State Department to implement the agreements that were allegedly reached during the October 16 telephone conversation between Putin and Trump.
Maximalist demands
Last week, Donald Trump said the two presidents had agreed to meet at a peace summit in Budapest, where the US wanted to force Russia into a ceasefire. However, senior Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, again rejected the proposal for ceasefire talks, saying the “root causes” of the war in Ukraine must be eliminated.
The phrase is Kremlin shorthand for removing President Volodymyr Zelensky and ensuring that the country will be demilitarized and never join NATO.
Moscow's maximalist demands prompted the U.S. to postpone the summit in Hungary — though officials in Budapest, who maintain close ties with both the U.S. and Russia, remain hopeful.
“Preparations are underway and the only issue is time, not intention“, wrote Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó on Platform X.
