DHAKA: Russian president Vladimir Putin dismissed Western sanctions as ‘utter foolishness’ on Thursday and said they would not stop Russia developing into a stronger economic power.

Attempting to take the higher ground in a speech to foreign and Russian investors, Putin said he was relaxed about the measures imposed on his country over Ukraine even though they had broken the fundamental principles of the global economy.

Addressing financiers worried about the weakening economy, capital flight and a possible increase in state intervention, he said Russia was well placed to weather the storm.

‘We truly want a country that is strong, flourishing, free and open to the world,’ he told the VTB Russia Calling investment conference, ruling out restrictions on capital and currency movements out of Russia.

Making clear his aim was to soothe worried investors, he later began a question-and-answer session by saying with a wry smile, ‘All I have to do is smile to show the devil is not as frightening as he seems’.

Contradicting some businessmen who fear sanctions could drive Russia into a new period of isolation, Putin underlined that he saw the country as part of the world economy, and, compared with others, a member playing by the rules.

He said sanctions violated the principles of the World Trade Organization, undermined the credibility of international financial institutions and reserve currencies, and would cause long-term damage to the entire global economy.

‘It is utter foolishness from those governments, who are limiting their business, preventing it working, reducing its competitiveness, freeing up niches for competitors on as promising a market as Russia,’ he said.

‘I would like to hope that we can get over this period of misunderstanding,’ he said to applause, reports daily Hurriyet.

BDST: 2126 HRS, OCT 02, 2014