Moscow, October 24 – President Vladimir Putin dismissed the U.S. sanctions on Russia’s biggest oil firms as a “soft effort” that will not hurt the Russian economy. The sanctions, targeting Rosneft and Lukoil, were announced by Washington after the Kremlin refused to agree to an immediate ceasefire in its war with Ukraine.
Putin told reporters that a country cannot take serious actions under pressure. “The sanctions are serious,” he said, “but they won’t seriously ruin our economic wellbeing.” He called the move an “unfriendly act” that will not improve Russia‑U.S. relations, which are still fragile.
In a brief exchange with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Putin warned that the sanctions could push up oil prices worldwide, including in the United States. He reminded Trump that during his first term the U.S. had imposed the most sanctions ever on Russia.
The sanctions were the first hit on Russia’s oil giants since Trump left office, after he had tried early in his presidency to rebuild ties with Moscow. Trump’s frustration grew after Russian leaders refused a ceasefire that he had hoped would bring peace into Ukraine. He has recently called the war “two very competent sides” that lead nowhere and said it’s time for a deal.
Putin also warned that any U.S. plans to allow Ukraine to use Tomahawk missiles against Russian targets would be “an attempt at escalation.” He said if such weapons were fired Russia would respond “very seriously, if not overwhelmingly.” Trump has not approved Ukraine’s use of those missiles, but the Ukrainian president is now seeking permission.
Despite the fallout, Putin said diplomacy was still essential. He reiterated his support for a U.S.‑proposed summit, which was scheduled for Budapest but was postponed after Trump canceled the meeting. “Dialogue is better than confrontation,” Putin said. “It would be a mistake to leave a meeting hanging without results.”
The Treasury Department says the new measures aim to cut off Russia’s ability to finance its aggression. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the sanctions, calling them a blow to the Kremlin’s war‑fighting capacity.
Trump, who met with NATO Secretary General Jens Spahn at the White House, said he hoped the war would end, but noted that his talks with Putin had led nowhere. He canceled the planned Budapest summit for now, but said future talks were possible.
This wave of U.S. sanctions and diplomatic strains has intensified discussions on how the global community, especially in Europe and the U.S., will respond to Russia’s continued aggression and the war in Ukraine.
Source: ianslive
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