Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday denounced newly imposed US sanctions as an “unfriendly act” and vowed that Russia “will never bow” to foreign pressure.

Putin warned that if Kyiv uses U.S.-supplied long-range missiles to strike Russian territory, Moscow’s response would be “very serious, if not overwhelming.” The warning came as the Trump administration announced sweeping sanctions targeting Russia’s key energy firms, Rosneft and Lukoil, which together account for a large share of the country’s crude output. Global oil prices briefly surged more than 5% following the move.

While acknowledging that the sanctions were “serious” and could cause “some losses,” Putin insisted they would not derail Russia’s economy, emphasising that the country’s energy sector remains strong and self-reliant.

The Russian leader accused Washington of attempting to “undermine Russia’s sovereignty and stability” through economic warfare but said such measures would only “strengthen national unity.”

The latest sanctions are part of the U.S. effort to pressure Moscow over the ongoing Ukraine conflict, following recent intelligence suggesting that Russia has intensified missile strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure.

Putin also cautioned that disruptions in Russian oil exports could trigger “severe turbulence” in global energy markets, warning that supply shortages could “hit U.S. consumers harder than they think.”

Why It Matters

  • The new sanctions mark a sharp escalation in U.S.–Russia tensions, especially as Washington considers supplying Ukraine with more advanced weapons.
  • Russia’s retaliation threats signal potential military and economic escalation beyond Ukraine.
  • Energy markets reacted immediately, with oil prices jumping and investors bracing for further volatility.

Putin’s message was defiant and clear: Russia will not bend to U.S. pressure and is prepared to respond decisively if its territory is attacked. The move sets the stage for renewed confrontation between Moscow and Washington, with ripple effects across global markets and geopolitical stability.