NOVO-OGARYOVO, March 16. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin believes that the policy of containment of Russia is a long-term strategy of the West.
"The policy of containment, weakening of Russia, including via economic isolation and blockade is a deliberate, long-term strategy," the head of state said during a meeting on social and economic support for Russian regions Wednesday.
He noted that "the Western leaders no longer hide that the sanctions are aimed not against certain people or companies, their goal is to damage the entire Russian economy, its social and humanitarian sphere, on every family, every citizen of Russia."
"We must understand clearly that the new package of sanctions and restrictions against us would have followed in any development of events," Putin underscored. "Our military operation in Ukraine is simply a pretext for the West to impose more sanctions. Yes, of course, they are concentrated in nature now, but the westerners viewed as the same pretext the March 16, 2014 referendum in Crimea, eight years ago, when residents of Crimea and Sevastopol made their free choice to be with their historic homeland," the President noted.
Putin assured that Russia, unlike the west, will respect the right of property of foreign companies.
"We appreciate the position of those foreign companies, who, despite the shameless pressure from the West and its vassals, continue working in our country. In the future, they will have additional capabilities for development," the head of state promised.
"We also know those who cowardly betrayed their partners, forgot about their responsibility before their employees and clients in Russia, and hurried to earn illusive profits by participating in the anti-Russian campaign," Putin said. "Meanwhile, unlike the Western states, we will respect the right of property.".