Russia’s Foreign Ministry has claimed that Western sanctions aim to divide and impoverish the Russian population instead of punishing Moscow for geopolitical decisions and suspected election meddling.
The United States targeted 24 Russian officials and oligarchs in new sanctions released last week in response to “malign” actions that include meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
“It’s a strategy, a game called ‘Strong-arm Russia’,” Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on the state-run Rossia-1 television channel on Sunday.
Noting that Russia has been under sanctions “approximately from 2011-2012,” Zakharova argued that anti-Russian measures were not meant as punishment for either U.S. election meddling claims or Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
“They need [our] society to remain divided, for there to be constant internal battles, for there to be impoverishment as well, the more the better,” she said.
“Only then do they want to be friends with us. Only then are we welcome and liked by all,” she added.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
