Antonov called calls for "crippling" sanctions against Russia a provocation

Behind the US calls for "unprecedented" sanctions against Russia in the event of an escalation in Ukraine is an attempt to influence the Russian side against the backdrop of European security talks. This was stated by the Russian Ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, his words are given on the page of the diplomatic mission on FACEBOOK.

“One gets the impression that American politicians, through the press, launched the myth of the “imminent Russian invasion of Ukraine” and are now overcoming their own phobias. Moreover, behind the demands of legislators to “punish” our country more painfully, lies an attempt to influence Russia against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations on European security,” he said.

According to Antonov, such calls for supposedly "crippling" sanctions against Russia, as well as the country's top leadership, are provocative and unpromising. “We are not intimidated by restrictions,” he added.

The diplomat also pointed out that the Russian side opposes confrontation and intends to build equal and pragmatic relations between the two countries. He noted that threats from Washington undermine international security and will not benefit the American people.