The US affirms that it will maintain sanctions against Russia for annexing Crimea.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders. Photo: AP

Speaking at a press conference, Ms. Sanders stated: "We do not recognize Russia's efforts to annex the Crimean peninsula. We are all united in opposing Russia on this issue. And our sanctions against Russia related to the Crimean issue will remain in place until the country returns the Crimean peninsula to Ukraine."

Last week, the Kremlin and the White House announced that the leaders of Russia and the United States will hold a summit in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16. The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, national security, and top international issues.

Also on July 2, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the issue of Russia's annexation of the Crimean peninsula will not be discussed at the summit.

The leaders of Russia and the United States will hold a summit in Helsinki, Finland, on July 16. Photo: Getty

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Peskov said that Russian President Putin "has repeatedly stated and explained that Crimea cannot and will never be on the agenda because it is an inseparable part of Russia."

This diplomatic official also affirmed that although Moscow and Washington still have many differences, mutual understanding is increasing.

US-Russia relations are at their lowest level since the Cold War following Moscow's decision to annex Crimea, as well as disagreements over the situation in eastern Ukraine and the conflict in Syria.

Russia was expelled from the Group of Seven (G7) and subjected to Western sanctions after Moscow annexed the Crimean peninsula./.