Sanctions in response to the decisions by the United States and the European Union are not on the agenda of the Russian government, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
“There is no blackmail on our part. We are not even talking (about
sanctions) at the moment because what has been imposed so far is just
child’s play: a search for accounts and assets of the people who by
definition cannot have them, this is in fact some mischievous joke,”
Rogozin told reporters on Tuesday.
Sanctions could harm first and foremost the EU countries themselves,
in particular, France, which said it might review its contracts over the
production of Mistral-class ships, he said.
“Today I drew the attention of the French foreign minister to his
statement on one of television channels that France is contemplating a
possibility of reviewing its agreement with Russia over the production
of two Mistral-class large amphibious ships. I pointed out that he must
calculate how many jobs were created in France by this contract and
cooperation with Russia,” the deputy prime minister said.
The wave of political instability caused by the situation in Ukraine
will gradually subside and recede, he said. “The relations will be
restored, which is why when European politicians who today make these
sorts of statements must think about consequences, primarily, in their
own countries’ interests,” Rogozin said.
“I personally ask the French foreign minister and other European
politicians to calm down a little. Otherwise, some of their actions
might entail consequences,” he added.
