Putin: "What Trump said means a postponement of the summit… New sanctions will not affect the Russian economy"

Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, said that Donald Trump’s remark about 'canceling the summit' "appears to mean a postponement." He also emphasized that additional Western sanctions would not have a significant impact on the Russian economy.

On the 23rd (local time), according to economic news channel Walter Bloomberg, President Putin said, "The new sanctions will not cause substantial damage to the Russian economy," adding, "Russia has already established an independent financial system."

He went on to warn, "An attack on Russian territory would be regarded as a clear military escalation," and "Russia's response would be very serious."

President Putin also said, "If the supply of Russian crude in the international oil market were to sharply decrease, it could lead to a rise in oil prices," and stressed the importance of international cooperation to stabilize energy markets.