Putin commented on the new US sanctions for the first time on Thursday evening. He also warned against allowing Ukraine to defend itself against Russia's offensive war with long-range missiles.
– New sanctions are an attempt to pressure Russia, says Putin on Thursday evening.
US President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced new sanctions on Russian oil trade in an attempt to force Russia into real peace talks in Ukraine.
But Putin went on to say tonight that no self-respecting country would do anything under pressure. He also claims that the sanctions will not affect the Russian economy.
The sanctions, targeting state-owned oil giants Rosneft and Lukoil, come after months of pressure from both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US politicians of both parties. They include freezing US assets and banning US citizens from doing business with the companies.
Putin also strongly warns against giving Ukraine access to long-range weapons, which Ukraine is trying to purchase from the United States.
– The response to attacks deep into Russia will be very serious and overwhelming, according to Putin.
