Sergey Lavrov
Russia is ready to break off relations with the European Union if Brussels imposes sanctions on sensitive sectors of the Russian economy. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in an interview with journalist Vladimir Solovyov, a fragment was published on his Telegram channel.
“We proceed from the fact that we are ready [to break off relations with the European Union] if we see again, as we have already felt more than once, that sanctions are being imposed in some areas that create risks for our economy, including the most sensitive areas, “Lavrov said.
The minister stressed that Russia does not want to isolate itself from the rest of the world, but it is necessary to be ready for this. “If you want peace, prepare for war,” he explained.
On February 7, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, announced the separation of Russia from the European Union. He explained that he had come to this conclusion after meeting with Lavrov and “a signal from the Russian authorities during this visit.” In his opinion, Moscow does not want to use the opportunity for a more constructive dialogue. The Russian Foreign Ministry was surprised by this statement, noting that Borrell's assessment of the results of his visit to Moscow contrasts with his own words said in Russia.
Later it became known that the European Union may impose sanctions against Russia in the coming month. In particular, EU countries can impose travel bans and freeze the assets of supporters of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
