Putin: US Deceives Its Own People by Hiding Behind Russia

Russian President Vladimir Putin referred, on Thursday, to the economic sanctions imposed on that country, affirming that the West is trying to blame Russia for its own mistakes.

"The United States is trying to deceive its own population by hiding behind Russia," Putin said following a meeting with Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to Sputnik.

During the meeting, Putin and Mishustin discussed the situation in the Russian economy after the West imposed a set of economic sanctions on the country.

"Russia has nothing to do with that. Energy prices in the West are rising due to the Western countries' own calculations", Putin said, adding that Russia respects its obligations in the field of energy.

Moreover, he claimed that the United States is trying to sign energy agreements with Iran and Venezuela.

The Russian leader stressed that the Russians are in solidarity with the people from the east of Ukraine.

"The fact that our citizens react so much to the need to help people in need speaks volumes. It suggests that, in general, people support our actions. It clearly says we are doing the right thing, in supporting Donbass," he said.