Islam Times - New US Sanctions Against Russia May Meet Painful Response

Islam Times - Russia may respond to a new set of US sanctions with 'painful countermeasures', Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

Another round of US sanctions against Russia, if imposed, may provoke "painful countermeasures" in return, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Friday.

"We do not rule out any of the options, including, as before, the use of quite painful countermeasures if necessary," he said.

The deputy minister said that Russia was continuing its efforts to prepare for possible new sanctions.

"As a result of Washington's destructive line in bilateral relations, there are few issues left on which we really cooperate," Ryabkov told reporters.

He reiterated that the numerous accusations voiced by Washington against Russia were "baseless," adding that he did not expect the US administration "to take the trouble to submit at least a shred of evidence" in support of these claims.

"As you understand, it is impossible to have a serious dialogue on a basis of this kind," the deputy minister said.

Washington’s destructive approach to bilateral relations with Russia leaves little room for cooperation, Sergei Ryabkov said.

“As a result of Washington’s destructive line in bilateral relations, there are few issues left on which we really cooperate,” he told reporters.

He reiterated that the numerous accusations voiced by Washington against Russia were “baseless.”

“As you understand, it is impossible to have a serious dialogue on a basis of this kind,” the deputy minister said.