Kremlin evaluates US ‘threats’ to Russia’s trade associates

(MENAFN) The Kremlin has denounced recent U.S. threats of secondary sanctions against nations trading with Russia, labeling them as illegal and infringements on sovereign rights. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Washington's warnings directed at India, China, and Brazil over their continued imports of Russian energy.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Peskov stated, “These are essentially threats aimed at pressuring countries to sever trade with Russia,” emphasizing that sovereign states have the right to freely choose their economic partners based on national interests.

The backlash follows remarks from U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker, who told Bloomberg that sanctions on Russian oil importers could be a key move to reduce Moscow’s revenue and end the Ukraine conflict. Whitaker equated buying Russian oil with funding the war effort.

India rejected these claims, arguing that targeting its energy trade is “unjustified and unreasonable.” New Delhi also pointed to the continued Western economic engagement with Russia, despite public declarations to the contrary.

China defended its cooperation with Moscow as essential to its energy security, warning against coercion and reaffirming its commitment to protecting its national interests. Similarly, Brazil condemned NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte’s July comments about potential sanctions on BRICS members trading with Russia, calling the statements “totally absurd.”

All three countries accused the West of hypocrisy, noting that the U.S. and EU continue their own trade with Russia while criticizing others for doing the same.

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