Kremlin: US trying to influence situation in Russia before Presidential elections by imposing new sanctions
Introduction of new sanctions of the United States against some Russian citizens is an attempt to influence situation in the Russian Federation ahead of the presidential election, Deputy Interior Minister of Russia Sergei Ryabkov said in an interview with TASS news agency, adding that Moscow expected two reports about the sanctions to be released by the U.S. Presidential Administration in late January.
“We approach this philosophically and see it, first of all, as another attempt to influence our internal situation, especially prior to the upcoming presidential election,” the Russian diplomat said.
Ryabkov also said that Russia was considering a reciprocal response.
“A decision about our response will be taken by the Russian President in due time. Using American language, I’d like to say that we have all options on the table,” the diplomat said.
As it was earlier reported, the U.S. Department of the Treasury had working on expanding a list of Russian companies and individuals subject to new sanctions, in accordance with the decree signed by U.S. President Donald Trump.