Putin's statement at a forum in St. Petersburg

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President Vladimir Putin on PMEF said his friends in respect of which the U.S. imposed sanctions , withdrew their money from abroad before their introduction.

Recall that the sanctions have been imposed on entrepreneurs Rotenberg brothers , Yuri Kovalchuk and Gennady Timchenko .

" Chose people from my environment . We have what they call it : ukontrapupit unclear what . I would be in their ( business ) location sued . And why did you choose them? Chose two Jews and one crest " , - Putin said ( which caused another bout of laughter in the audience) , and then added that sanctions have caused damage to his friends , even though they withdrew their funds from abroad in advance.

" But in general, serious, systemic impact on our economy not."