Kaag calls Putin’s statements about sanctions ‘war propaganda’

What Russian President Vladimir Putin is saying about Western sanctions against his country is “the world upside down,” said Finance Minister Sigrid Kaag. Putin keeps turning things around, which is “war propaganda” to the Russian people anyway, said the minister in WNL on Sunday. The Russian president said he finds the sanctions package bordering on a “declaration of war”.

“The violation of Ukraine’s sovereignty, the invasion and now the acts of war by Russia are beyond dispute,” Kaag said. “That’s where the act of war started. The answer is protection of the rule of law and peace and security in Europe.” The heavy sanctions package with which the West wants to hit the Russian economy and the circle around Putin is an “important means of pressure”.

Putin’s harsh language fits in with his tactics, says Kaag. According to the Deputy Prime Minister (D66), there are also concerns “that he is increasingly acting out of isolation”. Further radicalization then threatens, according to the minister.