'No self-respecting nation bows to pressure': Putin Slams U.S. Sanctions on Russian Oil Firms

International News: The United States has placed sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil. In his first reaction, Russian President Vladimir Putin said the move is an attempt by Donald Trump’s government to pressure Moscow. He made it clear that Russia will not give in to outside demands, saying, “A self-respecting nation never acts under pressure.”

India May Face Challenges in Buying Russian Oil

After the U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies, Russia’s attention is now on India. Buying Russian oil may no longer be easy for India. Most Indian oil imports from Russia come through these two companies. However, the U.S. President said that the goal of these sanctions is to cut off Russia’s oil revenue. The White House claimed that after China, India has also started reducing its oil imports from Russia. Reports suggest that India may gradually cut its Russian oil purchases to avoid being affected by American sanctions.

Putin Warned Trump About Market Risks

Putin revealed that he had already warned U.S. President Donald Trump that such sanctions could destabilize global energy markets and raise oil prices, including in the United States. “We clearly stated that this will impact global oil prices, including those in America,” said Putin. Experts believe that Trump is now frustrated as the Ukraine war has not yet ended, even though he promised to stop it within 24 hours of entering the White House. Recently, Trump also met Putin in Alaska to discuss ending the war, but the talks brought no result.

U.S. and Allies Tighten Pressure on Russia

The United States and its European allies have repeatedly asked Russia to agree to a ceasefire and have imposed some of the harshest sanctions on Moscow. Putin, however, accused the West of trying to “undermine” Russia’s sovereignty through these sanctions and by supplying weapons to Kyiv. Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury Department said the sanctions aim to “limit Russia’s ability to fund its aggression.” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the move, saying it would “weaken the Kremlin’s ability to wage war.” In response, Russia’s Foreign Ministry called the sanctions “completely counterproductive” and insisted that they would not cause any serious harm to the Russian economy.