MOSCOW

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that it is odd when Western countries blame sanctions on Russia for their domestic economic woes. 

Speaking at a government meeting in Moscow, Putin stressed that Russia is fulfilling its contract obligations to Western countries in full despite any restrictions.

“As for those countries that are taking unfriendly steps towards our country and economy … they point to the sanctions they are imposing on us as the reason for the deterioration of their situation.

“It looks very strange, especially since we are fulfilling all our obligations. I would like to stress once again that we fulfill all our obligations in the field of energy supply,” he said.

Putin said Russia continues to supply its main consumers, both in Europe and in other regions of the world.

“Even the east transport system of Ukraine is 100% percent loaded under our contracts. It's surprising, but the fact is, we do it,” he said.

Putin said the US government is trying to deceive its own population, making Russia a scapegoat for their own miscalculations.

Russia’s oil deliveries to the US are less than 3% of the total, so this is a negligible value to cause a spike in prices, he said.

“Even the ban on the import of Russian oil has absolutely nothing to do with it (rising prices). They are simply hiding behind these decisions in order to deceive their own people,” he said.

Putin said the US is trying to reconcile with both Iran and Venezuela to counter Russia on energy markets.

“They are ready to make peace with Iran, immediately sign all the documents (to renew the Iran nuclear deal). And with Venezuela. They went to Venezuela to negotiate with them,” he said.

Russia will not close its markets to foreign partners and is ready to work with everyone who wants it, he stressed.

- 'Harsh consequences if Russian vessels with fertilizer remain blocked'

Hindering the supply of Russian and Belarusian fertilizer will have serious international consequences, the Russian president warned.

“Russia and Belarus are among the largest suppliers of mineral fertilizers to world markets. If we continue to have any problems in financing this work, in insurance, in logistics, in the delivery of our goods, then prices, already exorbitant, they will rise even more,” he said.

He also said that it is necessary to use legal tools to maintain the work of companies that decided to leave Russia, and threatened to take over facilities idled voluntarily by companies.

“Those who are going to close their production facilities – here we need to act decisively. … Then, as the prime minister suggested, it is necessary to introduce external management and then transfer these enterprises to those who want to work,” he said.

As for the foreign investors that remain and continue working in Russia, their rights will be well protected, he stressed.