U.S. House of Representatives Approves Sanctions Bill Against Russia

¬ Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Comments on U.S. Preparing New Sanctions Against Russia

¬ UK Media: Supporters of Normalizing U.S.-Russia Relations to Exit National Security Council

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The voting results show that the U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill providing aid to Ukraine and imposing sanctions on Russia, passing by a simple majority.

Subsequently, the bill still needs approval from the Senate to take effect, but the Senate has not yet expressed its position on this matter.

Meanwhile, Western countries continue to intensify sanctions pressure on Russia over the Ukraine issue. Russia repeatedly stated that it will overcome all difficulties created by the West, pointing out that the West lacks the courage to acknowledge that sanctions against Russia have failed. In fact, there are already voices within Western countries suggesting that anti-Russia sanctions have not been effective.

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Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, commented on Washington's previous announcement about preparing new sanctions against Russia, stating that some people in the United States aim to prevent businesses from conducting operations with Moscow.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said the U.S. government is drafting a new sanctions bill targeting Russia in the Senate and awaits consultations with its drafters on wording.

Zakharova told reporters during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum: "There is a faction in American politics whose goal is to block American companies and citizens from earning substantial profits through dealings and transactions with Russia. The reason behind this is completely unclear. But evidently, this is exactly what they do."

She pointed out: "You see, the problem is that these sanctions have nearly prevented American enterprises and entrepreneurs from obtaining the additional gains and actual profits they claim to achieve by doing business with Russia."

Zakharova added that times and circumstances are changing, yet certain individuals within U.S. lobbying groups remain fervent, making every effort to obstruct American entrepreneurs and businessmen from collaborating with Russia.

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According to Reuters, Charles McLoughlin, a senior official responsible for European and Russian affairs at the U.S. National Security Council, is set to depart amid the ongoing restructuring framework of Donald Trump’s administration.

Reuters reported that some European officials believe McLoughlin supported a more pragmatic approach toward Moscow. According to sources at Reuters, he advocated for pathways to normalize dialogue with Russia and did not endorse policies aimed at further increasing pressure on Moscow.

This personnel change occurs against the backdrop of internal discussions within the Trump administration regarding future strategies on Russia and European security. The White House has not linked McLoughlin’s departure to his stance on Russia.

Reuters noted that the leadership changes in the National Security Council’s European and Russian Affairs division are part of a broader reorganization of the council.

Moscow has repeatedly stated its willingness to normalize relations with Washington based on mutual respect and consideration of each other’s interests, emphasizing that further deterioration of relations would not serve the interests of either Russia or the United States.

Source: sputniknews

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1867137649761280/

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