Russia's Foreign Ministry has sharply criticized new U.S. sanctions targeting its energy sector, labeling them as a deliberate attempt to destabilize global markets and undermine the Russian economy. The ministry issued a statement on Saturday, asserting that these actions are "hostile" and will be met with a response. Russia affirmed its commitment to proceeding with major oil and gas projects, regardless of the sanctions.

The ministry's statement directly linked the sanctions to the final days of President Biden's term, suggesting they are a last-ditch effort to inflict damage on Russia. Moscow maintains that despite these pressures and the influence of anti-Russian sentiment in the West, Russia remains a vital and dependable participant in the global energy market.

These sanctions represent the most extensive U.S. measures to date aimed at curtailing Russia's oil and gas revenue. They are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Kyiv's negotiating position and provide the incoming Trump administration with leverage in seeking a resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.

Among the targets of the sanctions are Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, key players in Russia's oil exploration, production, and sales. Additionally, 183 vessels involved in transporting Russian oil, including many within the so-called "shadow fleet" of older tankers operated by non-Western entities, have been sanctioned. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the sanctions, expressing his belief that they will significantly impact Moscow and contribute to a quicker path to peace.