Thus, the White House dismissed the notion that new sanctions against Russia were introduced as a bargaining chip in negotiations regarding the war.
"This was not done with the expectation that it would become a bargaining chip that could be taken off the table when Ukraine is ready to negotiate. Currently, there are no expectations that either side is prepared to engage in talks," Kirby stated.
He emphasized that the decision to impose additional sanctions was based on forecasts for both external and internal markets in the energy sector. At the same time, Kirby confirmed that previously extensive sanctions in this area were postponed to prevent an increase in energy prices in the U.S.