VIENNA, June 5 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin said here on Tuesday that his country has overcome the western sanctions which also harm western states themselves, noting all sides are interested in lifting the sanctions.

During his visit to Austria, Putin said at a joint press briefing with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen that the sanctions on his country are harmful for everyone, especially for those who initiated the sanctions.

However, he said Russia has overcome the difficulties caused by the sanctions.

The United States, EU and other western states imposed sanctions on Russia over the Ukraine crisis in 2014.