< p>The US ban on trade in Russian aluminum, copper and nickel is another unjustified and politicized step, as well as “indiscriminate shooting”, said Ambassador in Washington Anatoly Antonov, quoted by RIA Novosti.
„The announced strict bans on trade in local aluminum, copper and nickel are another unjustified and politicized step. Moreover, this act is not even a “shot in the leg” but an “indiscriminate shooting”, he said.
According to Antonov, Washington's current decision is probably based on calculations that resource prices will not skyrocket in the United States itself.
„Nevertheless, the administration easily introduces imbalances into the functioning of global markets, embroiling its satellites in sanctions. She describes her illegitimate steps as evidence of “leadership” in containing Russia, and also as an attempt to hinder our successes in the Northern Military District “, the diplomat added.
On Friday, the US Treasury Department announced a ban on imports of aluminum, copper and nickel of Russian origin into the US. The restrictions do not affect those metals that were produced before April 13 of the current year. In addition, according to the department, this ban will limit the circulation of Russian metals on world exchanges.
The United States adopted these restrictions in coordination with the United Kingdom, which was confirmed by the British government.
Moscow has repeatedly said that the country will deal with the sanctions pressure that the West began to put on Russia several years ago and continues to intensify. The Kremlin noted that the West lacked the courage to admit the failure of sanctions. In the Western countries themselves, opinions are repeatedly expressed that the anti-Russian sanctions are ineffective.
President Vladimir Putin pointed out that the policy of containing and weakening Russia is a long-term strategy of the West and the sanctions have dealt a serious blow to the entire world economy. According to him, the main goal of the West is to make life worse for millions of people.