On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin criticized the recent US sanctions targeting Russia’s leading oil producers, labeling them as an “unfriendly act.” He cautioned that these sanctions would strain relations with Washington, yet he asserted that they would not inflict significant economic damage.
Putin stated, “These sanctions are serious for us, of course, that is clear. They will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly impact our economic well-being,” as reported by AFP.
On Wednesday, President Trump enacted sanctions against Rosneft and Lukoil, the two largest oil companies in Russia, expressing his frustration that discussions with Putin aimed at resolving the Ukraine conflict “don’t go anywhere.”
Trump had postponed implementing such measures for several months, but his patience waned after a planned summit with Putin in Budapest was canceled.
During a briefing in the Oval Office, Trump remarked, “Every time I speak with Vladimir, I have good conversations, and then they don’t go anywhere,” when questioned about the stalled negotiations.
In contrast, Putin remarked that the sanctions “do not strengthen Russia-US relations, which have only just begun to recover.”
Despite the imposition of new sanctions and the postponement of the summit, Putin seemed to remain receptive to dialogue.
He stated, “Dialogue is always better than confrontation or any disputes, and especially war. We have always supported the continuation of dialogue,” as quoted.
However, he warned that if Russia were to be attacked with US Tomahawk missiles, as sought by Ukraine, the response would be “very strong, if not overwhelming.”
Earlier that day, Russia’s Foreign Ministry condemned the new US sanctions, claiming they would undermine the chances for negotiations to resolve the conflict.
Maria Zakharova, the ministry spokesperson, stated during her weekly press briefing on Thursday, “These measures are entirely counterproductive, including with respect to dialogue on ending the conflict,” according to CNN.
Zakharova, however, asserted that Russia’s economy would endure the latest restrictions.
“Our nation has cultivated a robust resilience against Western sanctions and will persist in confidently advancing its economic and energy capabilities,” she stated.
