Sanctions in Russia, Putin admits the “colossal difficulties” in the hi-tech sector. Million-dollar fine for Google

MOSCA – “Colossal difficulties”. “Almost total block”. “Great challenge”. In these terms of the Western sanctionsthe Russian president Vladimir Putin he had never spoken. Until now he had always minimized the impact of the measures launched in response to the Russian offensive in Ukraine and avoided any alarmist tone. Not this time.

“Today it is not just about limitations, but about an almost total block that is being implemented against our country as regards access to foreign high-tech products”, he admitted during a government meeting broadcast on public television, speaking of a “great challenge”.