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Putin Blames U.S. ‘Domestic Problems’ for Sanctions

“Whenever Russia grew stronger there would always be sanctions, throughout history.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday began his annual nationwide televised call-in show by blaming America’s domestic problems for the new sanctions imposed on Russia. The sanctions are a stated response to three main Russian actions, including its role in the Syrian civil war, the invasion of Crimea, and interference in the U.S. election. Still, Putin said, “We have always lived under sanctions, whenever Russia grew stronger there would always be sanctions, throughout history.” He added, “There is a U.S. bill to toughen sanctions—why? Nothing has changed why are they talking about sanctions—it’s evidence of domestic political problems in the U.S.”