"Strong Response Expected" Russia Also Warns of 'Retaliation' Against US Sanctions

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] Russia condemned the U.S. sanctions related to the Ukraine situation and warned that it would impose retaliatory sanctions.

On the 23rd (local time), the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release, "The sanctions package announced by the U.S. administration is already the 101st round of sanctions against Russia, targeting the financial sector including the expansion of the list of individuals subject to personal sanctions."

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The United States still falsely believes it has the right and ability to impose its international order norms on everyone," and sarcastically added, "The U.S. foreign policy (decision-makers') 'arsenal' now contains no means other than threats, intimidation, and coercion."

It also warned of a response, stating, "Such means do not work on international powers including Russia," and "There is no doubt that there will be a strong response to the (U.S.) sanctions."

In particular, the Ministry criticized the U.S. sanctions as "the U.S.'s relentless attempt to change Russia's course" and "ineffective and unproductive sanction measures." It also emphasized that it has proven it can minimize the damage caused by these sanctions against Russia.

Earlier, President Joe Biden officially defined Russia's recognition of the independence of separatist forces in Ukraine's Donbas region and the order to deploy troops there as an "invasion" for the first time, announcing financial sanctions on financial institutions, government bonds, and the families of close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He also made it clear that additional sanctions would be imposed depending on Russia's future actions.

Meanwhile, Russia began evacuating embassy staff in Ukraine on the same day. The Russian flag was lowered at the Consulate General in Odesa, Ukraine. The Ukrainian Defense Forces working nearby reported, "Several vehicles left in the morning." The day before, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that embassy staff would be evacuated soon.

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