Russian President Vladimir Putin has deplored the new sanctions imposed on Moscow by the United States.
Speaking in a live call-in show, he criticized the US Senate’s decision and termed it as a reflection of western efforts to contain Russia.
He said the measure only have made the country stronger and will reduce its dependence on energy exports.
The US Senate had approved a wide-ranging package of sanctions against Moscow for interfering in the 2016 election that targets key sectors of Russia’s economy and individuals who carried out cyber attacks.