MOSCOW (CU)_The Russian government is ready to sever ties with the European Union if the bloc imposes painful economic sanctions on the country, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said.
Relations between Moscow and the West have come under renewed pressure following the imprisonment of Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny. The move sparked global criticism, with the European Union joining discussions with Western allies, including the United States, Canada and Britain, regarding the possibility of imposing new sanctions on Russia.
The ongoing tensions between Brussels and Moscow exacerbated after the Kremlin expelled diplomats from Germany, Sweden and Poland last week, alleging that they attended a rally to support Navalny, and therefore, the three European countries on Monday (Feb 8), expelled three Russian diplomats in a coordinated act of retaliation.
Although Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Estonia and the Czech Republic previously pushed for fresh sanctions on Russia, however, Germany, France and Italy had suggested giving Moscow more time to reconsider its decision to imprison Navalny.
Nevertheless, three European diplomats told Reuters on Thursday that the EU was likely to impose travel bans and asset freezes on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, after France and Germany signalled their willingness to move ahead. It is reported that the sanctions may be imposed as soon as this month.
When inquired on if Moscow would now move towards cutting ties with the EU itself, the Russian Foreign Minister noted that although his country does not intend to isolate itself from global relations, however, the government is prepared to sever ties with the bloc, if fresh sanctions are imposed.
“We proceed from the fact that we’re ready (for that). In the event that we again see sanctions imposed in some sectors that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive spheres,” he said.
“We don’t want to isolate ourselves from global life, but we have to be ready for that. If you want peace then prepare for war.”
