The State Duma appreciated Trump's words about the possible strengthening of sanctions against Russia

The words of US President Donald Trump about the possible strengthening of sanctions against Russia are his response to opponents who are trying to accuse him of a pro—Russian course. Dmitry Novikov, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, said this in an interview with Izvestia on March 7.

"It is clear that having taken so many anti—Ukrainian steps, as many of his NATO partners in Europe assess, he had to somewhat balance this situation in order not to look too biased by Moscow," Novikov said.

He stressed that the US leader definitely cannot be called a politician with a pro—Russian position, and the accusations against him in this case are "pure populism, political technology, struggle."

Trump needs to demonstrate that he will equally demand readiness for negotiations from both Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, said the deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee.

"Therefore, what he has now broadcast about the possibility of new sanctions against Russia is a response to those of his opponents who are trying to accuse him of a pro—Russian, pro—Moscow course," Novikov said.

At the same time, he did not rule out the introduction of new anti-Russian sanctions by the United States.

"Sanctions measures may follow. But for now, rather, I consider this as a tactical step for Trump, rather than a strategic one," the deputy concluded.

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Earlier in the day, Trump said that the United States was considering strengthening sanctions against Russia. According to the American leader, restrictions will remain until Russia and Ukraine reach a final peace agreement.

The Reuters news agency reported on March 3 that the White House is studying plans for a possible lifting of sanctions against Russia. In turn, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recalled on March 4 that so far no one in the US administration has made official statements that Washington is going to lift sanctions against Moscow.