"These restrictions and sanctions are being introduced under the pretext of ensuring the security of the United States. How does your institute [MEPhI] threaten the security of the United States? In no way, this is complete nonsense. There is only one explanation, an attempt to restrain development," Putin said at a meeting with young scientists.
The president explained that in the mid-90s, Russia was good for everyone and everyone liked it, "when they sent us potatoes through humanitarian aid."
"Thank you for that, many did it sincerely, I know, honestly speaking about it, because I talked with these people in St. Petersburg," Putin added.
As soon as Russia began to get out of difficulties, including restored constitutional unity, when it began to develop, it became a competitor both in the political arena and in the international sphere, in production, in science, in the energy sector, the situation changed.
"And they don’t like it anymore. And our partners began to pursue the so-called policy of containment," Putin explained.