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West’s blackmail not working against countries headed by strong leaders — Putin

The head of state stressed that Russia will continue cooperation with those Western countries, which continue their operation in Russia, despite the pressure

ST. PETERSBURG, June 17. /TASS/. The West’s blackmail of the countries cooperating with Russia doesn’t work against those of them that are led by strong leaders, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday.

"It is no news to say that all who want to continue to work and are working with Russia are subject to open pressure from the United States and Europe. It sometimes comes to direct threats. But such blackmail means nothing against countries led by strong leaders, who can tell others’ interests from their countries’ own national interests," he said at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum. "Russia will develop economic cooperation with such countries, promote projects with them."

He also stressed that Russia will continue cooperation with those Western countries, which continue their operation in Russia, despite the pressure. "Naturally, we will cooperate with Western companies, which continue to operate successfully on the Russian market, despite the unprecedented arm-twisting," he added.