Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called the new U.S. sanctions against Nord Stream 2 a manifestation of hostile takeover competition.
At the same time, the Kremlin is not inclined to associate the introduction of these restrictions with the START negotiations, he noted.
"This [Nord Stream 2 sanctions and the START negotiations] can hardly be considered interrelated subjects," TASS cited him as saying.
"In general, this rather unfriendly and destructive policy of constant introduction of various restrictions in relation to us, our economic operators, our economy, unfortunately, this has already become an integral part of unfair competition, undisguised hostile takeover competition on the part of Washington," the spokesman said.
Peskov recalled that "this destructive policy has been conducted for several years now." He reiterated that "of course, this harms bilateral relations."
