Barack Obama: Russia's economy in tatters due to US

Sanctions have stopped Putin's aggression.

US President Barack Obama said it to lawmakers in the State of the Union Address. He accused Russia of aggression against Ukraine and said that Moscow was in international isolation and its economy was “tatters” due to Washington's stance, RIA Novosti reports.

“We’re demonstrating the power of American strength and diplomacy. We’re upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t bully the small -- by opposing Russian aggression, and supporting Ukraine’s democracy, and reassuring our NATO allies,” Obama said. “Last year, as we were doing the hard work of imposing sanctions along with our allies, as we were reinforcing our presence with frontline states, Mr. Putin’s aggression it was suggested was a masterful display of strategy and strength. That's what I heard from some folks. Well, today, it is America that stands strong and united with our allies, while Russia is isolated with its economy in tatters.”

Barack Obama said earlier in a phone conversation with his French counterpart Francois Hollande that sanctions against Russia should be maintained.

Economic sanctions against Russian companies and individuals were imposed amid the Ukrainian crisis. In response, Russia imposed a ban on the export of a number of products from the countries that carry out a policy of sanctions against Moscow.