The Kremlin said it would like to understand the actions of the US, which has imposed new sanctions on the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline project amid announcements about the intention to hold a meeting between the presidents of the two countries, Interfax reported.

"We need to find that out. Everything is as normal with our partners. They say one thing, but do something completely different," said Dmitry Peskov, spokesman for the Russian president, when asked if Washington's aforesaid move would be taken into account when Moscow decides on a possible meeting of President Vladimir Putin.

"Let's see how it will be better for us," Peskov added.