Putin says new US sanctions not to significantly impact Russia's economy

MOSCOW - New US sanctions on Russian oil companies will not significantly impact Russia's economic health, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday.

Putin called the sanctions "an attempt to put pressure on Russia" and "unfriendly", adding that they do not strengthen Russia-US relations.

Commenting on US President Donald Trump's remarks on Wednesday that he had canceled his planned meeting with Putin, the Russian president said Russia has always supported continued dialogue.

He added that it would be a mistake to approach the Russia-US summit without preparation.

The US Treasury Department on Wednesday announced sanctions on Russia's two largest oil producers, Rosneft and Lukoil, in a bid to pressure Moscow to agree to an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.