Putin Dismisses New US Sanctions as Unfriendly, Promises Resilience Amid War in Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed recent sanctions imposed by the United States, characterizing them as an unfriendly act that would not significantly impact Russia's economy or its ongoing military operations in Ukraine. Speaking on Thursday, Putin emphasized that the measures are an attempt to pressure Moscow into complying with US demands, stating, "No self-respecting country does anything under pressure." The US sanctions specifically target Russia's two largest oil companies, Lukoil and Rosneft, as part of an ongoing effort to compel Moscow to agree to a ceasefire amid the protracted conflict in Ukraine. In response to Putin's remarks regarding the sanctions, which he dismissed as not substantial, former President Donald Trump stated, "I am glad he feels this way," expressing skepticism about their effectiveness. Putin further warned the United States against selling advanced weaponry, such as Tomahawk missiles, to Ukraine. He cautioned that any attacks on Russian territory using these or similar long-range weapons would be met with a severe and possibly overwhelming response. "This is an attempt at escalation. Let them think about that," he warned. In light of the sanctions, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that Russian authorities are currently analyzing the newly imposed restrictions, asserting that their actions would prioritize Russia's own interests rather than reactively against the US. He declared, "We are acting primarily not against someone else; we are acting for our own benefit." The backdrop of these developments includes the stalled diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. While Trump canceled a planned meeting with Putin, he indicated that it was more of a postponement rather than a complete cancellation, citing the need for better preparations before the dialogue could take place. Putin, maintaining a willingness to engage in dialogue, suggested that the meeting's rescheduling would not be a mistake if properly arranged. Reports indicate that his top envoy has arrived in the US to discuss the relationship between both countries, suggesting that despite tensions, there remains a mutual interest in further discussions. As the situation continues to evolve, both nations remain entrenched in their positions, with the international community closely monitoring the implications of such sanctions and the fate of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2