Putin: US sanctions 'counterproductive and senseless'

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Europe

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called US sanctions against Moscow "counterproductive and senseless" after Washington warned that more "economic pain" was to come.

"Sanctions are actions that are counterproductive and senseless, especially against a country like Russia," Putin said during a press conference with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto.

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) shakes hands with Finnish President Sauli Niinisto during their meeting at Bocharov Ruchei state residence, August 22, 2018, in Sochi, Russia. /VCG Photo

Putin added that he hoped Washington would eventually realize "this policy has no future."

Putin's remarks came after a senior US Treasury official, Sigal Mandelker, said Tuesday that the US can inflict "much more economic pain... and will not hesitate to do so" if Russia does not cease what she called "malign activity."

The US government has sanctioned Russian entities over the past several years for the Crimea issue, attempting to influence US elections, playing a role in a nerve agent attack in Britain and violating United Nations sanctions on the DPRK.

Russian officials maintain that the country's economy has not felt any major impact from the punitive measures.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump shake hands as they meet in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. /VCG Photo

Putin also reiterated on Wednesday that his meeting with US President Donald Trump in July was "useful."

"I believe it was useful. Nobody counted on resolving all the disputed issues in the course of a two-hour conversation," Putin said.

Trump has slammed Russia's plan for a gas pipeline to Germany called Nord Stream 2, and some in Washington have called for sanctions to target the project, an idea Moscow calls unfair competition.

"Europe needs Nord Stream 2," Putin said Wednesday.

Finland's President Sauli Niinisto (L) and Russia's President Vladimir Putin give a joint press conference following their meeting at Bocharov Ruchei residence. /VCG Photo

"Russia is the optimal supplier to the European economy. We are ready to compete with everyone. We hope for a clean competition."

Source(s): AFP