Russia, Belarus to overcome difficulties caused by sanctions - Putin

MOSCOW. March 11 (Interfax) - Russia and Belarus will get over all difficulties prompted by attempts to obstruct their development through sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.

"Certainly there are problems related to the current events and well-known restrictions, sanctions, and so on. But, as you and I have said before, attempts to contain our development have always been made, and they're being made now, as well. Definitely, on a greater scale right now," Putin said at a meeting with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Friday.

Putin said he is confident that Russia and Belarus will overcome these difficulties.

"I am sure we'll get over these difficulties and will actually acquire greater competencies and more capabilities to feel independent and self-sufficient. At the end of the day, this will be beneficial, just as it's been in the previous years," Putin said.

Putin said he will inform Lukashenko of the situation "on the Ukrainian track, primarily on how negotiations with Ukrainian representatives are going now."