Russia is at war, the economic impact we are witnessing is a logical consequence of this motivation. We do not make the mistake of thinking that sanctions have caused this situation because, to all intents and purposes, they have been threatened but not yet imposed.
We have threatened the sanctions and then withdrew them, giving a signal of weakness to Putin that he can now exploit in his favor by applying counter-sanctions by boasting a position of greater power.
PLEASE NOTE
Complete interview is avaible on Rai Radio 1