Putin Addresses New US Sanctions
Russian President Vladimir Putin declared on Thursday, October 23, 2025, that new sanctions imposed by the United States are 'serious' but will not significantly impact the Russian economy. Speaking to reporters in Moscow, Putin characterized the measures as an 'unfriendly act' that does not strengthen relations between Russia and the US. His comments were reported by state news agencies RIA and TASS.
Details of the Latest Sanctions
The new US sanctions, announced on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, specifically target Russia's two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, along with nearly three dozen of their subsidiaries. The US Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) stated that these actions were taken due to 'Russia's lack of serious commitment to a peace process to end the war in Ukraine.' This marks the first time the US has imposed sanctions on Russia since President Donald Trump returned to office in January.
Moscow's Stance and Warnings
While acknowledging that the sanctions are 'serious' and 'will have certain consequences,' President Putin maintained that they 'will not significantly impact our economic well-being.' He asserted that 'no self-respecting country ever does anything under pressure.' Putin also warned of a 'very strong, if not overwhelming' response should Russia be attacked with US Tomahawk missiles, which Ukraine has reportedly sought. The Russian Foreign Ministry echoed this sentiment, stating that Moscow has developed a 'strong immunity' to Western restrictions and that the sanctions risk hurting diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine conflict.
Economic Context and International Reactions
The imposition of these sanctions led to a significant 5% increase in global oil prices. On the same day, the European Union also announced additional economic sanctions against Russia, including a phased ban on the import of Russian liquefied natural gas. US President Donald Trump, when asked about Putin's dismissal of the sanctions, 'made light' of the comments, suggesting that the Russian president would 'feel the economic pain' in six months. Analysts note that Russia's economy has demonstrated considerable resilience to previous sanctions, largely due to its vast natural resources and support from key allies like China and India. However, there are early indications that China and India, major purchasers of Russian crude, might scale back imports due to the risk of secondary US sanctions.
6 Comments
Noir Black
Threats about Tomahawks? Empty words from a desperate leader.
KittyKat
It's true that Russia has vast natural resources, which helps it withstand sanctions. However, targeting major oil companies and potential loss of key buyers will inevitably strain their finances over time.
Loubianka
Increased oil prices show global disruption, not Russian strength. They're hurting everyone.
Muchacha
The US clearly intends to pressure Russia over Ukraine, yet past experience suggests Moscow has found ways to mitigate such economic blows. The long-term effectiveness remains uncertain.
Bermudez
These sanctions are just political posturing. Russia will adapt, as always.
Africa
Putin is absolutely right. Russia has seen it all, these sanctions won't faze them.