Putin Calls New U.S. Sanctions ‘Serious’ but Shrugs Off Economic Impact
MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday downplayed the impact of the latest U.S. sanctions, describing them as “serious” but not powerful enough to deliver a major blow to Russia’s economy, according to “Hurriyet Daily News”.
Washington on Wednesday imposed new restrictions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two largest oil producers, marking the first punitive measures against Moscow since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to office.
“They are serious for us, of course, that’s obvious,” Putin told reporters in Moscow. “They will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly affect our economic well-being.”
He called the move an “unfriendly act” that undermines the fragile recovery of U.S.-Russia relations, which had only recently begun to stabilize.
Trump had initially sought to mend ties with the Kremlin, but his frustration grew over Putin’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine. The U.S. president reportedly shelved new sanctions for months, hoping diplomatic talks might yield progress. However, plans for a summit in Budapest collapsed, prompting Washington to tighten economic pressure.
Despite the renewed tension, Putin signaled his willingness to keep channels open.
“Dialogue is always better than confrontation, or, worse, war,” he said. “We have always favored dialogue.”
Still, he issued a pointed warning against any escalation involving Western weapons.
“If Russia were attacked with U.S. Tomahawk missiles; which Ukraine is asking for, our response would be very strong, if not overwhelming,” he cautioned.
The latest sanctions target Russia’s energy exports, a vital source of state revenue, and are expected to further test Moscow’s resilience amid ongoing geopolitical strain.
