Putin Says the West Can 'Screw Themselves' Over The Threat of More Russian Sanctions
- Vladimir Putin has hit out at western powers for the threat of sanctions
- Russian president says they do nothing and are only to suppress power
- Adds Russia will not ease retaliation measures saying West can 'get lost'
- Putin was speaking at a summit in India between five countries of emerging economies
Daily Mail UK, 20 October 2016
Vladimir Putin says Western powers can 'screw themselves' over the threat of more sanctions against Russia.
Putin had been attending a summit in Goa, India, of BRICS nations, where they discussed emerging economies.
However, during an interview with journalists he said that the West could 'get lost' and that sanctions would not solve anything but supress Russia's power.
Vladimir Putin, who says Western powers can 'screw themselves' over the threat of more sanctions against Russia
He told RT: 'Regarding sanctions against Russia, whatever they are said to be linked to, be it events in Ukraine or Syria, I assure you, the aims of those who formulate such a policy [of restrictions] do not solve any concrete problem.'
Putin also added that the Kremlin has no plans to ease it retaliatory measures of boycotting Western food imports. He later said: 'No way, the can get lost.'
His comments came as he talked to journalists on a range of other topics including the United States and the upcoming election.
He said that America had ramped up international problems in a bid to distract voters there from domestic problems.
He explained that 'creating an enemy' was a common tactic to distract voters.
Putin also added that the Kremlin has no plans to ease it retaliatory measures of boycotting Western food imports
Putin added:
'Iran and the Iranian nuclear threat did not work well for that purpose.
'Russia is a more interesting story. In my opinion, this card is being played now.'
However, he stopped short of saying who he was backing in the election although did say he appreciated Donald Trump for his 'calls for co-operation'.
Putin explained:
'Mrs Clinton chose her aggressive rhetoric and aggressive stance with regard to Russia, and Mr Trump, on the contrary, is calling for cooperation, at least against terrorism.”
'We will certainly welcome anyone who wants to work with us.'
Putin attended the BRICS summit along with the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa.
Putin attended the BRICS summit along with the leaders of Brazil, India, China and South Africa. Pictured are Brazil's president Michel Temer, Putin, Indian PM Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma
BRICS was formed in 2011 with the aim of using its growing economic and political influence to challenge Western hegemony.
The nations, with a joint estimated GDP of $16 trillion, set up their own bank in parallel to the Washington-based International Monetary Fund and World Bank and hold summits rivalling the G7 forum.
But the countries, accounting for 53 per cent of world population, have been hit by falling global demand and lower commodity prices, while several have also been mired in corruption scandals.