U.S. and European Sanctions Take Aim at Putin’s Economic Efforts

WASHINGTON — The United States and the European Union dealt a blow on Friday to Russian efforts to develop future oil sources in the Arctic and elsewhere, broadening and deepening the range of sanctions imposed on Moscow in retaliation for its intervention in Ukraine despite the potential cost to Western firms like Exxon Mobil and BP.

Putin tries to woo investors to Russia but many stay away

(Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin tried on Thursday to warm up relations with foreign investors chilled by the crisis in Ukraine, but many senior executives snubbed him by boycotting a conference billed as Russia's answer to Davos.

Putin wants closer EU trade ties, skirts Syria

ST PETERSBURG, Russia (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin pressed the European Union on Monday for faster progress toward visa-free travel and said the EU will have to deal with an economic alliance among ex-Soviet states, while skirting the issue of Syria in public comments.