Washington: The United States has announced new sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies. President Donald Trump declared restrictions on Rosneft and Lukoil. The White House also cancelled a planned meeting between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Budapest. This signals strain between Washington and Moscow.

Trump said that his meetings with Putin produce good conversations, but the talks never move forward. The statement points to frustration in the administration over the slow diplomatic outcome. Washington now focusses directly on Russian energy businesses.

Putin received a grand welcome in Alaska in August. Trump believed peace could be secured through personal outreach. The visit created hope that both sides might explore a new diplomatic track. The United States

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