Putin: Sanctions were invented to contain Russia's growing possibilities


According to the Russian president, the sanctions imposed on the country are not just a ‘nervous reaction of the US and its allies’ to Russia’s behavior in connection with events in Ukraine and not due to ‘the Crimean spring’.

Delivering his annual state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly Vladimir Putin assured that Moscow would not ‘mindlessly back down to the West’s pressure’.

“I am sure that if all this [sanctions] had not happened, another reason would have been invented to contain Russia’s growing possibilities and to influence it, or better to use it in own interests. When Russia has become too strong, they put pressure on us. But negotiating with Russia from positions of strength is pointless,” Putin said.

“Of course, sanctions are harmful, but they are harmful for everyone, including for those who initiate them,” state-run news agency TASS quotes Putin as saying.

At that, Putin also stated that Russia was not going to end its relations with Europe and the United States.

The first address was made by Boris Yeltsin on February 24, 1994. This year, this tradition celebrates its 20th anniversary. Interestingly, Vladimir Putin has already delivered 11 state-of-the-nation addresses to the both chambers of Russia’s parliament.

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