Putin Considers Sanctions Absurd, Not Worthy of Discussion - Kremlin

Russian President Vladimir Putin is convinced that sanctions introduced by the West against Russia are "absurd," ineffective and harmful for both sides, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — President Vladimir Putin never raises the issue of sanctions against Russia in talks with his foreign colleagues because Moscow considers the use of restrictive measures absurd and was not the initiator of "sanction wars," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Monday.

"The president never raises the issue of European sanctions against Russia in his numerous foreign contacts. I repeat — this is not an issue on our agenda," Peskov told reporters in Moscow.

He added that Russia is convinced that sanctions are "absurd," ineffective and harmful for both sides.

"Moscow did not and never will initiate the introduction of sanctions," the spokesman stressed.

Last year, the United States, the European Union and some of their allies imposed economic sanctions on Moscow after the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea rejoined Russia following a referendum, unrecognized by the West.

More sanctions followed as Western countries accused Russia of playing a part in the armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, a claim denied by the Kremlin.

In a retaliatory move, Russia introduced an embargo on imports of certain agricultural and food products from countries that unleashed sanction targeting different sectors of the country's economy as well as certain individuals.