Putin Terms New US Sanctions ‘Serious’ But Says They Won’t Significantly Hurt Russia’s Economy
Russian President Vladimir Putin calls fresh US sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil “serious but manageable”, warns of “serious consequences” if Tomahawk missiles are used against Russia, yet keeps door open for dialogue with Washington.
Moscow, Oct 24: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday said that the latest US sanctions on Russia’s biggest oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil will not significantly affect the country’s economy, describing them as an attempt to exert political pressure on Moscow.
“No self-respecting country ever does anything under pressure,” Putin told reporters, acknowledging that while the sanctions were “serious” and could have “certain consequences,” they would not harm Russia’s economic well-being.
He termed the measures an “unfriendly act” that “does not strengthen Russia-US relations, which have only just begun to recover.”
Putin said he had warned his US counterpart, President Donald Trump, that the sanctions could drive up global oil prices, including in the United States. He added that the sanctions reflected both political and economic motives.
The United States on Wednesday announced sweeping sanctions on Russia’s top energy firms the first since President Trump’s return to office. Trump, who initially sought to rebuild relations with Moscow, has grown increasingly frustrated over Russia’s refusal to agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Putin also cautioned that any use of Tomahawk missiles to target Russian territory would prompt a “serious, if not overwhelming” response. “If such weapons are used against Russia, our response will be very serious. Let them think about that,” he warned.
Despite rising tensions, Putin said Russia remains committed to diplomacy. “Dialogue is always better than confrontation, than disputes, or more so than war,” he stated. He confirmed that a planned summit between him and President Trump in Budapest had been “postponed,” but reiterated that Moscow supports continued communication.
“It would be a mistake for both me and the US President to approach this lightly and come away without expected results,” he added.
The US Treasury Department said the sanctions were intended to “limit Russia’s ability to finance its aggression.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, calling it a “significant step” to weaken Moscow’s war machinery.
Meanwhile, Trump, while meeting NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, said he hoped the war would “be settled soon” but admitted that talks with Putin “haven’t gone anywhere yet.”
Even as sanctions tighten and diplomatic engagement stalls, Putin appeared calm and confident, insisting that Russia’s economy remains resilient and that constructive dialogue with Washington is still possible.
