'Unfriendly Act': Putin Condemns US Oil Sanctions, Says Russia Won’t Bow Down Under Pressure

Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed the latest US sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, insisting that the measures will not significantly harm the country’s economic well-being. The sanctions, imposed on Wednesday, aim to curb Moscow’s war funding and pressure Russia to end the conflict in Ukraine. 

Putin described the US move as an “unfriendly act” with “certain consequences” but stressed that Russia’s energy sector remains confident and resilient. He said the sanctions represent an attempt to pressure Moscow but emphasised that no self-respecting nation or people ever make decisions under coercion.

“This is, of course, an attempt to put pressure on Russia,” Putin told reporters. “But no self-respecting country and no self-respecting people ever decides anything under pressure.”

The Russian president also downplayed the immediate impact of the sanctions, joking about how they might prevent the West from importing Russian toilets, highlighting his intent to project defiance and composure.

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Economic And Global Implications

Putin warned that restricting Russian oil exports, given Russia’s position as the world’s second-largest oil exporter, could trigger a sharp rise in global oil prices, including at US gas stations. He stressed that while the sanctions are “serious,” they will not significantly affect Russia’s long-term economic stability.

“These sanctions are serious for us, that is clear. They will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly impact our economic well-being,” he said.

US-Russia Relations And Dialogue

The sanctions follow months of appeals from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and bipartisan pressure in Washington to strike at Russia’s economic heart. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the US action as “massive sanctions” against Moscow’s energy sector.

Putin recalled that even during US President Donald Trump’s first term, tough sanctions were imposed on Russia, though Trump initially sought to foster ties with Moscow. He noted that despite the sanctions and the collapse of a planned summit in Budapest, Russia remains open to dialogue.

“Dialogue is always better than confrontation or any disputes, and especially war. We have always supported the continuation of dialogue,” Putin said, signalling that diplomacy remains a priority.

Putin issued a stern warning regarding potential military action. He stated that if Russia were attacked with US. Tomahawk missiles, as Ukraine has requested, the response would be “very strong, if not overwhelming.”

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