Russia and the United States are currently engaged in discussions over a possible easing of restrictions on Russian energy. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Washington may consider further relaxing sanctions on Russian oil deliveries to help stabilise the global energy supply chain, citing major disruptions following the joint US–Israeli strikes against Iran.
“We may unsanction other Russian oil,” Bessent told Fox Business earlier, adding that the Treasury is considering steps to release “hundreds of millions of sanctioned barrels,on the water” in order to bring relief to the global market.
Reacting to Bessent’s comments, the Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Investment and Economic Cooperation and CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, Kirill Dmitriev, said the two countries are discussing the issue, noting that Western sanctions have proven detrimental to the global economy.
“Countries that partnered with Russia on energy made a wise strategic choice and will overcome the energy shock best and be best positioned for the future,” he added.
The Kremlin envoy’s remarks followed an earlier prediction this week by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who suggested that Washington may eventually be forced to reconsider sanctions on Russia’s energy sector due to the disruptions caused by the conflict involving Iran.
Putin also said the disruption could create opportunities for Russia to boost its energy exports. “Against this backdrop, we can look for new buyers who have lost supplies that previously moved through the strait,” he said, suggesting that Moscow could redirect oil and gas shipments to alternative markets as Gulf flows face disruptions.
Sanctions on Moscow have already caused significant disruptions in Europe, with several EU countries, including Hungary, Slovakia, Belgium, Italy, France and Germany, voicing strong opposition to the restrictions, citing their impact on oil supplies and broader economic stability.
