Putin Responds to New US Sanctions: “Russia Will Never Succumb to American Pressure”

Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a strong message to Washington, warning that the latest round of US sanctions would not force Moscow to change its course.

Speaking during a live televised address, Putin declared that Russia will never bow to foreign pressure. He added that the United States’ “hostile actions” would only worsen already tense relations between the two countries.

“The aggressive actions of the United States will only isolate Moscow and Washington,” Putin said. “No independent nation should make decisions under external pressure.”

Putin Vows to Defend Russia’s National Interests

Putin admitted that the new US sanctions might have some impact on the Russian economy but insisted that Russia would continue to act independently.

“We will remain firm on our national interests,” he stressed. “No outside force can dictate how Russia governs itself or conducts foreign policy.”

His comments came a day after Washington imposed fresh sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, Russia’s two biggest oil producers. The move is part of a broader effort to pressure the Kremlin to end the war in Ukraine, which began in 2022.

Washington’s Objective Behind Sanctions

According to the US State Department, the new measures aim to reduce Moscow’s oil revenue and increase economic pressure to push Russia toward peace negotiations.

“These sanctions are designed to limit Russia’s capacity to fund its war and encourage diplomatic dialogue,” said a US official.

However, Putin dismissed these efforts as “economic blackmail.”

“Our nation has faced tougher times than these,” he said. “The Russian people will defend their sovereignty, their economy, and their future.”

Moscow Blames the West for Rising Tensions

The Kremlin accused Western countries of using sanctions as a political weapon to weaken Russia’s global influence. Russian officials maintain that Moscow’s actions in Ukraine are driven by security concerns, not aggression.

Tensions between Russia and the US have worsened since 2022. Analysts believe the new sanctions could escalate economic confrontation and push Russia to strengthen trade ties with Asian allies, particularly China and India.

Russia’s Independent Path Forward

Despite growing isolation, Putin reaffirmed that Russia would remain independent and self-reliant on the world stage.

“We will continue to follow an independent and sovereign course,” he concluded.