"As for the anti-Russia sanctions, whatever they are linked to, events in the south-east of Ukraine or others, even say in Syria, I assure you, those who formulate and promote this policy, will not solve the problem. In this case, the issue of the southeastern Ukraine. This is just about formulating a containment policy for Russia. If it were not for Ukraine, [they] would come up with something else. Just the mere fact that Russia has become a full-fledged actor on the international arena, demonstrates the domestic consolidation, shows a desire to work with all partners, apparently, is not very satisfying because the work on the international arena requires some concessions and the search for compromise. [They] apparently don't want compromises but want to dictate. This is the approach that our partners from the United States have developed over the past 15-20 years. They cannot move away from it, usually there is no dialogue," the Russian president stressed.
Russia’s relations with Ukraine and the West deteriorated sharply after Crimea rejoined Russia in 2014 and the West accused Moscow of meddling in the conflict in eastern Ukraine, imposing several rounds of sanctions on Russia.
