The Russian Foreign Ministry has pledged to respond to the latest wave of US and UK sanctions targeting its energy sector, describing them as "hostile actions." 

This follows the announcement on Friday that sanctions would now include major Russian oil companies Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegas, along with over 180 vessels and nearly 400 individuals and entities involved in energy trade.

The measures, introduced just days before US President Joe Biden leaves office, aim to cut off Russia's critical revenue streams. 

According to Biden's deputy national security advisor Daleep Singh, "The United States imposed the most significant sanctions yet on Russia's energy sector, by far the largest source of revenue for Putin's war." UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy echoed the sentiment, stating, "Taking on Russian oil companies will drain Russia's war chest – and every ruble we take from Putin's hands helps save Ukrainian lives."