Putin Calls Latest US Sanctions “Serious” but Says Russian Economy Will Withstand Pressure:

Moscow, October 24 — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday described the latest round of U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s two largest oil companies as “serious,” but insisted that the measures would not cause significant damage to the country’s economy. The United States announced new sanctions on Wednesday against Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s biggest oil producers. The move marks the first time Washington has imposed penalties on Moscow since President Donald Trump returned to office. “They are serious for us, of course — that is clear,” Putin told reporters during a press conference in Moscow. “They will have certain consequences, but they will not significantly impact our economic well-being.” Putin criticized the sanctions as an “unfriendly act” that undermines the recent progress made in U.S.-Russia relations. “This does not strengthen our relations, which have only just begun to recover,” he said. The new measures come amid growing frustration in Washington over Russia’s stance on the ongoing conflict and its refusal to agree to a ceasefire. According to U.S. officials, President Trump had been reluctant to introduce new restrictions against Moscow, hoping instead to revive diplomatic dialogue. However, relations between the two leaders have cooled in recent months. Trump’s efforts to organize a new summit with Putin in Budapest reportedly collapsed, leading to his decision to approve the sanctions. “President Trump had wanted to maintain an open channel with President Putin,” said a senior U.S. official familiar with the matter. “But patience has its limits, and the lack of progress on peace talks forced his hand.” Despite the rising tensions, Putin appeared to leave the door open for further discussions with Washington. “Dialogue is always better than confrontation or any disputes — and especially war,” he said. “We have always supported the continuation of dialogue.” Still, the Russian leader issued a stern warning regarding potential U.S. military involvement in the region. When asked about the possibility of Ukraine receiving U.S. Tomahawk missiles, Putin cautioned that any attack on Russia would provoke a powerful response. “If Russia is attacked with Tomahawk missiles, our response will be very strong, if not overwhelming,” he warned. The sanctions are expected to add pressure to Russia’s energy sector, which remains the backbone of its economy. However, Moscow has faced similar restrictions before — particularly since 2014, when relations with the West deteriorated sharply following Russia’s annexation of Crimea. Economists say that while the new measures could disrupt certain oil exports and financial transactions, Russia’s economy has become more resilient over the years, with significant reserves and a pivot toward trade with Asian partners. For now, both Washington and Moscow appear to be balancing between confrontation and diplomacy — a familiar pattern in their complex relationship.

NEWS