Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Ukraine’s allies are attempting to weaken Russia, just hours before his scheduled phone conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump.
During a meeting with Russian businesses, Putin warned that they should not count on the full restoration of free trade or unrestricted capital movement, even if Western sanctions against Russia are eased.
The Russian leader accused Ukraine’s allies of seeking to undermine Russia, reinforcing his long-standing claim that Western nations are using economic and political pressure to destabilize the country.
“Our competitors will always want to weaken us. Even if one side lifts or eases certain restrictions, another method to cause problems for us will be found immediately,” Putin stated, as reported by Sky News.
