Russian president talking to state tv channel Rossiya1 17 June

The comments follow news this week that the US Senate voted almost unanimously for legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia and force Trump to get Congress' approval before easing any existing sanctions.

Says Putin:

"This will, indeed, complicate Russia-American relations. I think this is harmful."

He did add caution though and said he needed to see how the situation develops.

"That is why it is premature to speak publicly about our retaliatory actions"

More from Reuters here

I'm out of here now. Have a great w-e everyone, and thanks again for all your brilliant support and input.

Putin on US sanctions - Retaliation is premature