President Putin vows to respond to US sanctions

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would be forced to retaliate against the United States if Washington continued to pursue what he called “illegal sanctions” against Moscow.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: AFP

Speaking at a press conference during his visit to Finland yesterday, July 27, Russian President Putin spoke for the first time about the US House of Representatives passing new sanctions against Russia.

Mr Putin said that if the US implemented new sanctions against Russia, "it would be regrettable because it would be a reckless act that would worsen the situation". The Kremlin leader also said that these US sanctions were "unacceptable" and would lead to the collapse of international relations.

"We never accepted this and will never accept it... We have always exercised the utmost restraint and patience, but at some point we will be forced to respond. We cannot tolerate this insolence towards us forever," Mr. Putin said.

He also mentioned the US expulsion of 35 Russian diplomats under the administration of former US President Barack Obama, which he said was a "violation of international law".

The Kremlin leader's comments came after the US House of Representatives passed a bill expanding sanctions against Russia. The US Senate also passed the bill yesterday with 97 votes in favor and 2 against. To be implemented, the law still needs US President Donald Trump's signature.

Reuters quoted a senior White House official as saying that President Trump could veto the bill and propose tougher sanctions against Russia./.

According to Dan Tri