As the national economy declines under pressure from sanctions and low oil prices, Russia’s president said there are no claims to a role as a superpower. Lower crude oil prices are hurting the economies of nations like Russia that depend on energy for revenue. The situation for Russia is compounded by economic sanctions imposed in response to the Kremlin’s policies in Ukraine, sanctions that limit access to Western markets. Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with German newspaper Bild the Russian economy is, at best, fifth in the world in terms of volume. “We do not claim the role of a superpower,” he said. “This role is very costly and it is meaningless.”