Kremlin claims new U.S. Sanctions are an attempt by the U.S. to halt Russian gas exports

The Kremlin said on Friday that the new U.S. Sanctions on Russia's Gazprombank are an attempt by Washington, to hinder the Russian gas export. However, a solution will be found.

Washington imposed new restrictions on Gazprombank Thursday, which prevent it from completing any new energy transactions that could affect the U.S. Financial System. It also banned its trade with Americans as well as freezing its U.S. Assets.

Gazprombank, one of Russia's biggest banks, is owned in part by the Kremlin gas company Gazprom. Ukraine has been pressing the U.S. for more sanctions against the bank that receives payments from Gazprom customers in Europe.

When asked if the sanctions were a way to prevent European gas buyers who still wanted Russian gas from purchasing it, and if Russia would fight to get the right to provide gas to them Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov replied: "The answer is yes to both parts of the question."

Peskov stated that he was unable to answer any questions about the future of gas payments and whether Gazprombank will continue to maintain accounts for foreign gas purchasers.

He said, "Of Course, Options will be Found." "Complete blockade measures against a nation like Russia are not possible." This may take a while, but the solution will be found. (Reporting and writing by Dmitry Antonov, editing by Guy Faulconbridge/Andrew Osborn).

(source: Reuters)