US economic sanctions against Russian oil sector: challenge or stimulus for Russian foreign policy?

Oil is a determining factor of international relations and a crucial element of energy security for oil importing states. Control over major world oilfields and influence on oil prices are key factors safeguarding sustainable dominance on the international arena. Russian oil resources are both a curse and a blessing as they increase vulnerability of Russian economy and politics. Oil price fluctuations and geopolitical situation are the weak sides of Russian oil industry. Major anti-Russian US sanctions imposed after Crimea reunion with Russia in 2014 are aimed at preventing western cooperation with mostly state-owned Russian oil companies in the oil and gas high tech sphere and other sectors of economy. Despite the opinion shared by many Russian and western experts that sanctions effect is positive and has stimulated Russian scientific and economic development and has increased oil production, there is enough evidence of sanctions efficiency that poses a threat to Russian oil industry development given the lack of investments into Russian economy and vague legal language of sanctional norms. The article focuses on necessary actions of Russian oil companies under sanctions and prioritizes development actions and political steps to be taken under sanctions.