Antonov promised a "decisive" response from Russia to new US sanctions.

RUSSIA is open to equal dialogue with the United States , but will respond to the confrontation imposed on it, said Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov, TASS reports .

This was his comment on the new sanctions announced by the US Treasury Department the day before, June 12, Russia Day. At a gala reception at the embassy to mark the holiday, Antonov noted that the US administration was thus "congratulating the Russian people."

The diplomat emphasized that Russia does not intend to "force itself into becoming a partner" and is open only to "honest and equal dialogue."

“Nevertheless, we will give an adequate and decisive response to the confrontation being imposed on us,” he added.

According to Antonov, Russia is developing "as a peace-loving country" and poses no threat to anyone. Attempts by unfriendly countries to isolate it internationally have failed, the ambassador believes.

On June 12, the Moscow Exchange, the National Clearing Center (NCC), and the National Settlement Depository (NSD) were placed under US blocking sanctions. The US Treasury Department allowed transactions with them until August 13.

The exchange announced the suspension of trading in the US DOLLAR and euro, as well as instruments settled in these currencies, on the stock, money, and standardized derivatives markets, effective June 13. The central bank later announced that it would not trade the Hong Kong dollar effective that same day.