The dogs bark, but the caravan moves on, Putin said on Tuesday, several hours after the report featuring the entire Russian government and scores of prominent Russian business people was issued.
The list of 210 people fails to mention the Russian leader much to his 'distress'.
Its a pity, Putin said sarcastically in answer to a journalist's question on how he feels about his absence.
However, the move is certainly unfriendly as it damages already deteriorating Russian-US relations, Putin added.
What do they want? They must decide for themselves, Putin said, referring to Washingtons policy.
Russia is eager to build long-term relations which are stable and based on international law, the Russian leader added.
In a tougher comment, Putin slammed Washington for inconsistency and stupidity. The Russian president noted that the US equates Moscow with Tehran and Pyongyang, while at the same time calling on Russia to help solve the North Korean crisis and mediate on issues involving Iran.
On Tuesday, the US Treasury published a list featuring the entire Russian government among some 114 other top officials, as well as 96 prominent businessmen. The document claims it is in no way a sanctions list, despite being part of a sanctions law that targeted Moscow as well as Tehran and Pyongyang.
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4:29 PM - Jan 30, 2018
The move has already received condemnation from Moscow. Russian MP Irina Yarovaya likened the move to the US opening an economic Guantanamo for global business. Senior Russian senator Vladimir Dzhabarov said that the step virtually amounts to a breakdown in ties between Moscow and Washington.
