Despite Putin 's defiance , the White House is convinced that U.S. and European sanctions on Russia , combined with steep drops in the price of oil , are sending the economy into a tailspin that Putin ca n't ignore . Putin 's annual press conference raises tensions . Russian leader doubles down despite economic crunch . Putin under pressure at home to take harder line .
Putin 's annual press conference raises tensions . Russian leader doubles down despite economic crunch . Putin under pressure at home to take harder line .