MOSCOW, April 29 (RIA Novosti) – Moscow has drafted its response to Western sanctions imposed this week, with a range of measures expected to be introduced soon, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Tuesday.
“We do not just have it: something has come into force, something will be introduced in the short term. The issue is about what kind of a symmetrical response it will be and what will be included,” Ryabkov said in an interview with the Russian news site Gazeta.ru.
The diplomat added, however, that while haste is not needed, Russia’s response “will necessarily follow.” He said the US sanctions policy is aimed at leading Russia astray by using “improper means.”
In this situation, Moscow cannot remain indifferent, Ryabkov said.
“We are rather cold-blooded people and are ready for every such a turn of the crisis,” he said, adding that Washington appeared incapable of coming to terms with what is happening.
“This is human bondage,” Ryabkov said in remarks on the US sanctions.
On Monday, The United States imposed sanctions, including asset freezes and visa bans, against Sechin and six other Russian individuals and 17 Russian companies linked to Putin’s inner circle.
Moscow has repeatedly warned that talking in the language of sanctions is “inappropriate and counterproductive” and warned its Western partners about the “boomerang effect” that sanctions would have.
