BRASILIA, July 17. /ITAR-TASS/. Sanctions against Russia have the effect of a boomerang and push Russian-American relations to a dead-end, Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists when answering an ITAR-TASS correspondent’s question about his attitude toward new sanctions.

Putin said he is “convinced that harms the national long-term interests of the American state, the American people.”

“It’s a great pity that our partners are following this path,” the Russian president said. “But our doors are open for negotiating process, for a way out of this situation.”

Putin said he hopes common sense and desire to settle all problems by peaceful and diplomatic means will prevail.

 

US introduces new sanctions vs. Russia

On July 16, the US government announced new sanctions against Russia. The penalties will apply to individuals and companies both in Russia and Ukraine and affect, among others, Russian State Duma Deputy Speaker Sergei Neverov, Russian state corporation Vnesheconombank (VEB), Russian energy giant Gazprom’s banking arm Gazprombank and state-owned oil company Rosneft.

Western nations subjected some Russian officials and companies to first targeted sanctions, including visa bans and asset freezes, following Crimea’s accession to Russia in mid-March.

Despite Moscow’s repeated statements that the Crimean referendum on secession from Ukraine was in line with the international law and the UN Charter and in conformity with the precedent set by Kosovo’s secession from Serbia in 2008, the West and Kiev have refused to recognize the legitimacy of Crimea’s reunification with Russia.