"Clearly, they (the Russian and US presidents) differ in their understanding of how to build mutually beneficial relations taking into account each other’s interests. I suppose, there is no convergence of views here. And, of course, the obsession with sanctions by our American counterparts remains unacceptable," he said, when asked to comment on the address of US President Joe Biden, in which he expressed his readiness for the de-escalation of relations with Russia.
"President Putin talked about the feasibility of building, normalizing and de-escalating our relations," Peskov said. "He talks about it consistently, he is convinced of it. He has stated repeatedly that we are ready to develop our dialogue to the extent that our counterparts are ready to do it. In this regard, I suppose, it is a good thing that the positions of the two states converge here," the press secretary noted, TASS reported.
On Thursday, US President Joe Biden signed an executive order to impose a new round of sanctions against Russia. In particular, the US government is prohibiting American companies from acquiring Russian debt obligations issued by the Bank of Russia, the Russian National Wealth Fund or the Russian Ministry of Finance after June 14, 2021. Besides, the US Treasury Department slapped sanctions on 16 organizations and 16 individuals allegedly involved in interfering with America’s elections. In addition, Washington introduced restrictions against eight individuals and legal entities tied to Crimea, including members of the Crimean government.
The United States is also expelling 10 diplomats working at the Russian Embassy in Washington DC. According to the US administration, they "include representatives of Russian intelligence services."
Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated earlier that Moscow would act in accordance with the principle of reciprocity in its relations with Washington. He noted that the new US sanctions would not facilitate organizing a meeting between Putin and Biden proposed by Washington.