Lavrov joked about 18 scenarios of US sanctions against Russia because of Ukraine

The number of sanctions scenarios developed by the United States in the event of a Russian "invasion" of Ukraine raises speculation that each of the 17 special services, as well as the State Department, announced a competition for their creation, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a press conference following talks with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Radman.

“It seems that the United States, as reported, has 17 special services and intelligence services. Maybe 17 plus the State Department - 18 scenarios. Maybe they are announcing a competition within themselves,” Lavrov joked.

US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland announced on January 15 that the United States had prepared 18 scenarios for sanctions in the event of Russia's "invasion" of Ukraine. “My allies and I are ready to inflict sharp pain very quickly if Russia takes this [aggressive] step in any form,” she said.