The Kremlin has accused the United States of waging “economic war” against Russia due to the recent sanctions against the country, per Reuters.
What happened: President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil imports Tuesday as a direct response to Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, as I reported for the Deseret News.
- “Russian oil will no longer be accepted at U.S. ports,” Biden said.
- “We will not be part of subsidizing Putin’s war.”
- “I’m going to do everything I can to minimize Putin’s price hike here at home.”
Response: Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Wednesday that the U.S. is currently waging “de facto economic war” and Russia could retaliate against the U.S., according to USA Today.
- “The U.S., undoubtedly, declared an economic war against Russia and they are waging this war,” Peskov said.
- Russia will do “what in the best way corresponds to our interests,” he said, according to USA Today.
- Peskov did not offer specifics about how Russia would respond.
What’s next: Biden said gas prices will continue to rise in the U.S. as a result of the recent ban. But, he said, that’s a price to pay for ensuring freedom in Ukraine.
- “Putin seems determined to continue on his murderous path no matter the cost. Ukraine will never be a victory for Putin.”
- “People everywhere are speaking up for freedom.”