Exxon Mobil Corp. and its partner OAO Rosneft will start exploration drilling in Russia’s Kara Sea on Aug. 9, undeterred by souring relations between the U.S. and Russia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin will give the command to begin drilling at the Universitetskaya structure Aug. 9, the Kremlin said. Exxon and Rosneft will drill using the West Alpha rig. Drilling will continue through October, according to the statement.

Relations between Russia and the U.S. have reached their lowest point since the Cold War after Russia annexed the Crimea and the downing of a passenger plane over war-torn Eastern Ukraine.

BP Plc is the largest shareholder in Rosneft after the Russian state with an almost 20% stake in the company.