Russia says relations with Venezuela unhurt by US sanctions

MOSCOW, Feb 20 (PRIME) -- U.S. sanctions against Rosneft Trading SA, affiliate of Russian oil company Rosneft, will not hurtcooperation between Russia and Venezuela, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Mariya Zakharova said at a briefing on Thursday.

“These sanctions did not influence and cannot influence Russian policies in international affairs, including relations with the lawful authorities of Venezuela, Syria, Iran or any other country on which or on cooperation with which such unilateral restrictions can be introduced,” Zakharova said.

The official said that Russia sees the new sanctions an example of unfair competition and thinks that they will undermine the Russian–U.S. relations.

On Tuesday, the U.S. slapped sanctions against Switzerland-based Rosneft Trading SA and Casimiro over exports of Venezuelan oil.

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