Published: 14:30, June 19, 2024
Russia may lower diplomatic ties with US over asset seizures
By Xinhua
This pool photograph distributed by Russian state owned agency Sputnik shows Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov attending a meeting on the country's military action in Ukraine and the Israel-Gaza conflict, chaired by Russian President, at the Novo-Ogaryovo state residence outside Moscow on Oct 16, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW — Russia has not ruled out the possibility of downgrading its diplomatic relations with the United States in response to the confiscation of Russian assets, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted by TASS news agency as saying on Wednesday.

Ryabkov explained that Russia's reaction to US actions could include countermeasures against Western assets in Russia, asymmetrical responses of other kinds, and the reduction of diplomatic relations.

Ryabkov underscored that Russia would determine its response based on the extent of the challenges posed by the United States

READ MORE: Putin signs decree to allow confiscation of US property

"Depending on the degree of their provocations, we will calibrate our responses accordingly," Ryabkov noted.

Ryabkov underscored that Russia would determine its response based on the extent of the challenges posed by the United States.

READ MORE: Russia: New US sanctions signal to Kyiv not to negotiate

"I do not exclude any options, but I also do not anticipate any specific ones," Ryabkov added. "In any case, all of this is a matter of a separate political decision, which will be made at a very high level in Moscow."