Russian Economy Adjusts to Sanctions: Kremlin

Russia’s economy has become stronger and more used to Western sanctions, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. He said that Russia has been living with many restrictions for years, and over time, the country has learned how to keep things running despite the challenges.

Peskov made these comments on Wednesday when asked if Russia is ready for any new penalties. He said the country has built a kind of resistance or immunity to such pressure.

His statement came a day after US President Donald Trump warned that Russia and Ukraine had only 10 days to come to a peace deal — much shorter than the original 50-day deadline. Trump said that if peace talks fail, the US might take strong steps, such as placing trade taxes, sanctions, or other actions. However, he also admitted that he’s not sure if such steps would actually work.

Reports suggest that global investors are not very concerned about possible new sanctions on Russian oil and gas. They say these could end up raising fuel prices in the US and may go against Trump’s promise to keep inflation low.

John Bolton, a former US security official, also doubted how effective these threats would be.

Meanwhile, Russia has reacted strongly. It has added more names to its ban list of people from EU countries and other European nations. These include officials who:

• Take part in legal action against Russian leaders,
• Support setting up a tribunal to judge Russia,
• Want to take Russia’s assets and give the money to Ukraine,
• Create or enforce anti-Russia sanctions,
• Work to weaken Russia’s ties with other nations,
• Publicly speak against Russia,
• Vote for laws and resolutions that target Russia.

Also included are police, government workers, company staff, and Western citizens who help send weapons or tools to Ukraine, try to harm Russia’s borders, or block Russian ships and goods, especially in the Baltic Sea.

The Russian foreign ministry said it is acting in response to the EU’s latest sanctions — the 17th and 18th rounds, which were approved on May 20 and July 18.

The 18th package blacklisted over 50 people and groups, and the price cap for Russian oil was lowered from $60 to $47.60 per barrel. The EU also banned oil-based products made using Russian crude.

Russia warned that if the EU continues with more sanctions, Russia will respond appropriately and without delay.