You're reading: Putin says sanctions against Russia are illegitimate, response will be balanced, consistent with its rights and commitments

MOSCOW - Attempts to put pressure on Russia using sanctions have no chance of success and Russia's response will always be balanced and consistent with Russia's rights and commitments," Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

“Attempts to use the language of ultimatums and sanctions in talks with Russia are absolutely inadmissible and have no chance for success. In such cases, our response has always been and will be balanced and consistent with Russia’s rights and commitments under international treaties, including the WTO agreements,” Putin said in an interview with Turkey’s Anadolu Agency before his visit to Ankara.

“I would like to note that unilateral restrictive measures imposed on our country by the United States, EU, Japan, Australia, and a number of other states are not legitimate. Such pressure not only causes direct economic damage, but also threatens international stability,” Putin said.

Putin said Russia is hoping that “common sense will prevail.” “We call to abandon the distorted logic of restrictions and threats and to search for mutually acceptable solutions to outstanding issues,” he said.

“By the way, heads of leading western companies operating in Russia express their concerns over the sanctions and reaffirm their willingness to continue cooperation with their Russian partners,” Putin said.