Adalbi Shkhagoshev, a member of the State Duma Committee on Security and Anti-Corruption, commented in a conversation with RT on the publication of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s list of retaliatory measures in connection with the hostile actions of the United States.
The parliamentarian called the sanctions a “destructive procedure.”
“But we maintain the sanctions balance, which the Russian side adheres to today,” Shkhagoshev said on April 16.
Commenting on the intention of the Russian Federation to stop the activities in the country of American funds and NGOs controlled by the State Department and other American state structures, the deputy noted that this decision “fits into the framework of this balance.” He noted that since the United States and the collective West as a whole are pursuing such a goal as slowing down Russia, then the activities of such organizations supporting this policy should be limited.
Shkhagoshev added that a warming in relations between Russia and the United States is possible, but not in the short term.
Earlier Friday, Moscow imposed countermeasures in response to new US anti-Russian sanctions. The Russian Foreign Ministry, in response, announced the expulsion of 10 American diplomats; complete cessation of the practice of hiring by US diplomatic missions administrative and technical workers from among citizens of the Russian Federation and third countries, limitation of the practice of short-term trips of diplomats through the State Department and other measures. In addition, the sanctions list included eight current and former American high-ranking officials and figures who are involved in the development and implementation of the anti-Russian course.
At the same time, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow has the opportunity to take painful measures for US business, but for now it will hold them back.
Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Konstantin Kosachev noted that Russia’s response to US sanctions is prompt, extremely specific and tough. According to him, the Russian response proves that all United States restrictions are pointless and unfounded.
US President Joe Biden signed a decree on April 15 introducing new sanctions against Moscow. The restrictions affected 32 legal entities and individuals from Russia, who, according to the administration of the American leader, “made attempts to influence the US presidential elections in 2020, as well as other acts of disinformation and interference.” Also in the United States announced the expulsion of 10 employees of the Russian diplomatic mission in Washington.