Putin: 'Russia has plenty of ways to retaliate against the US'

(Baonghean.vn) - In an interview with TASS on July 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that, over a long period, Russia had hoped for a positive change in Russia-US relations. However, developments have clearly been the opposite of expectations. And Russia will no longer "give in."

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: TASS

Responding to a question about one of the retaliatory measures against the US, namely the approval of a reduction in US diplomatic staff in Russia, President Putin said: "The US has once again unilaterally and without cause introduced the sanctions bill against Russia. This is a step that will further worsen Russia-US relations. Furthermore, the US is even influencing its allies who want to maintain and develop relations with Russia."

Putin stated, "More than 1,000 employees, including diplomats and support staff, are working in Russia, of whom 755 must cease their activities in Russia."

The Russian leader emphasized that Russia has set up many strong measures to retaliate against the United States. "The question is whether Russia will take action or not," he said.

"Russia is perfectly capable of restricting areas of cooperation with the US, but I believe that is unnecessary. It would harm international relations and overall development, extending beyond just Russia-US relations."

Although President Putin views the additional US sanctions as an unfriendly move by Washington that harms Moscow's international relations and those of the United States itself, he still expresses confidence that the "moment" when Russia will have to resort to its strongest "retaliatory measures" will not come.

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on July 28 that by September 1, the United States must reduce the number of diplomatic staff in Saint-Petersburg, Moscow, and Yekaterinburg to 455, the same number of Russian diplomats in the US after Washington expelled 35 Russians last December.

US Russia

(According to TASS)