Putin issues big dare to US over Russia sanctions, Donald Trump fires back | Ukraine war

Following the Trump administration’s sweeping sanctions on Russia’s two biggest oil companies—Rosneft and Lukoil—President Vladimir Putin dismissed the measures’ economic impact, saying they were “serious” but would “not significantly affect Russia’s wellbeing.” Speaking in Moscow, Putin called the sanctions an “unfriendly act” meant to put pressure on Russia but asserted that “no self‑respecting country acts under pressure.” He highlighted Russia’s vital role in global energy markets, noting that any disruption in Russian petroleum exports could drive up worldwide oil prices. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump reacted coolly, saying he would “let you know in six months” whether the sanctions proved effective. The latest sanctions aim to cut Russian revenues funding the war in Ukraine while reaffirming Washington’s resolve to push Moscow toward a ceasefire.