Russia will respond to any threats: Putin
Amid tensions over the issue of eastern Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has downplayed US-led efforts to isolate Moscow, warning the West that his country will stand firm in its stance.
Speaking before officials of the Federal Security Service, Putin said Moscow will make no concessions or “bend down” to political and economic pressures exerted on the country.
“No one has succeeded in scaring or pressuring our country, and no one will,” Putin said, adding, “Russia will respond to any threats.”
Russia’s relations with the West have deteriorated to its lowest levels since the end of the Cold War, apparently reflecting on the Ukraine crisis.
The United States and its European allies have imposed economic sanctions against Russia over its alleged support for pro-Russia fighters in eastern Ukraine.
Russian-speaking regions in eastern Ukraine have been in crisis since last year when deadly clashes between pro-Russia forces and the Ukrainian army began.
Kiev launched heavy military operations to crush the pro-Russians in Donetsk and Lugansk.
In May 2014, the situation in the two flashpoint regions started to worsen as residents overwhelmingly voted for independence from Ukraine in referendums.
The fighting has taken a heavy toll on thousands of people. More than 6,000 people have died in the conflict, the UN says. Around 1.5 million people have been also forced from their homes over the past months of turmoil.
XLS/HSN/SS
Ukraine peace talks downgraded in London as Kiev rebuffs Trump’s proposal
US plan requires Ukraine to give 20% of territory to Russia: Report
Russia's President Putin ratifies bill for strategic partnership with Iran
VIDEO | Palestinian civil defense rejects Israel’s probe and exposes the crime
India downgrades ties with Pakistan after deadly Kashmir attack
Iran’s steel output up 3.7% y/y to 3.3 million mt in March
There is good chance that US and Iran can reach an agreement: Veteran diplomat
VIDEO | Yemen faces environmental crisis due to oil spill caused by US strike
Israeli forces murder minor, critically injure young Palestinian during West Bank raids
Yemen's president orders nationwide ban on all US products
France detains Iranian journalist amid crackdown on pro-Palestinian voices
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
