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Putin slams West's 'economic aggression,' vows proactive response

Friday, 28 April 2023 11:54 PM [ Last Update: Friday, 28 April 2023 11:55 PM ]

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Russia's President Vladimir Putin slams the "economic aggression" that is being practiced by the "collective West" against the country, pledging that Moscow will take "proactive" action against the West's hostile economic campaign.

Putin delivered the remarks on Friday, addressing Russia’s Council of Legislators in St. Petersburg on Friday, Russia Today reported.

The West, led by the United States, has been imposing numerous rounds of sanctions against Russia since last February when the latter began a special military operation against its neighbor Ukraine. Moscow has denounced both the bans and the West's incessant arming of Kiev as counterproductive measures that would only prolong the conflict.

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Adding to his remarks, Putin urged the country's lawmakers and other authorities to work "proactively" against the Western economic measures rather than just "waiting out" the tough times.

He urged the creation of a "basis for the long-term, independent, and successful development of our country."

Russia not to play by others' 'rules'

Separately, Putin emphasized that Russia would not play by the "rules" that are fabricated by others.

"Our partners, or, one might say, already former partners, in some countries are maniacally destroying the legal framework and channels of communication, trying to impose their views and so-called rules on everyone. What are the rules? … Nobody saw them," he stated.

Such attitude on the part of these countries, he added, has taken its toll on international diplomacy.

"But we’re not going to follow their rules...," the Russian head of state asserted.

At the same time, however, Russia is not going to "self-isolate" itself either.

"We are not going to isolate ourselves. On the contrary, we will expand pragmatic, equitable, mutually beneficial relations that are nothing less than partnerships with friendly countries in Eurasia, Africa, Latin America," he said.

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