Russian political figure Maria Butina, known for her close ties to Putin, criticized the move. She said: "These guys, Biden's administration, [are] trying to escalate the situation to the maximum while they still have power and are still in office."
Butina expressed optimism that Donald Trump could reverse such decisions. She added: "I have a great hope that [Donald] Trump will overcome this decision if this has been made because they are seriously risking the start of World War Three which is not in anybody's interest."