Trump versus Putin. Sarcasm, sanctions and Western enthusiasm

After 9 months of office and many unsuccessful attempts to get Vladimir Putin to complete his armed action against Ukraine, president Donald Trump announced on Wednesday the first in his tenure a package of American sanctions against Russia. These include the 2 largest Russian oil companies – Rosnieft and Łukoil. Experts stress that this is an crucial step that can bring tangible results.

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, the intent of the sanctions is weakening the Kremlin's ability to rise funds to finance the war machine. Washington states that oil is blood circulation Russian economy and fresh restrictions effectively They cut this tributary. The sanctions were imposed on Russia in consequence to Moscow's deficiency of real commitment to peace.

Trump: Let's wait six months

Donald Trump ironically referred on Thursday to Vladimir Putin's words, stating that he enjoyed the belief of the Russian leader in the resilience of his country's economy to sanctions. In this way Trump commented on Putin's statement, which claimed that the previously announced restrictions would not have a crucial impact on the Russian economy.

I'm glad he thinks that. Good. I'll let you know in six months, okay? We'll see – said the president of the United States in an interview with journalists.

Although the question addressed to Trump suggested that Putin completely disregards the importance of sanctions, in fact the Russian president admitted that they were serious for the country. At the same time, he noted that they would not have a crucial impact on Russia's overall economical condition.

No self-respecting nation always does anything under force – concluded Putin.

World leaders impressed

World leaders emphasise the groundbreaking importance of US sanctions against Russia. Finland's president Alexander Stubb welcomed the decision of the U.S. administration to introduce fresh restrictions on the Russian oil sector.

Although [sanctions] work late, it must be remembered that the energy manufacture pays off Russian war device and killing people – commented Stubb on Thursday.

According to the Finnish head, sanctions, both from the US and the European Union, will surely be maintained until Russia enters the peace talks, the ceasefire in Ukraine will not be introduced and a fair and lasting peace plan will be created.