Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as come out swinging after US issued a new round of sanctions against citizens and companies of the nation:
- RUSSIA WON'T LET SANCTIONS GO UNANSWERED: INTERFAX
- RUSSIAN DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER RYABKOV VOICES "DISGUST" AT WHITE HOUSE STATEMENT ON NEW U.S. SANCTIONS -INTERFAX
As we await the European Union's reaction (which the US has said is imminent... hopefully)...
- *U.S. OFFICIAL CONFIDENT EUROPE WOULD JOIN SECTORAL SANCTIONS
it is the blowback from Russia that is most importance - despite constant protestation by talking-heads on mainstream media channels that any sanctions on Russia will have no impact on US business...
More sanctioned firms and individuals are responding:
- *ROTENBERG'S STROYGAZMONTAZH SAYS U.S. SANCTIONS NOT LEGITIMATE
- *STROYGAZMONTAZH SAYS BUSINESS WON'T BE AFFECTED BY SANCTIONS
And here is Jack Lew's remarks...
And this is what Jack Lew had to say...
Statement Of Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew, 4/28/2014
“Russia’s dangerous and inflammatory actions against Ukraine are illegal and illegitimate.
Since Russia has refused to follow through on its Geneva commitments,
today the United States is following through on its statements – we are
imposing additional costs against Russia, including sanctions on
individuals in the Russian leadership’s inner circle and 17 entities
closely linked to previously sanctioned members of the inner circle.
Today’s targeted actions, taken in close coordination with the EU,
will increase the impact we have already begun to see on Russia’s own
economy as a result of Russia's actions in Ukraine and from U.S. and
international sanctions.
Russian economic growth forecasts have dropped sharply,
capital flight has accelerated and higher borrowing costs reflect
declining confidence in the market outlook. Our goal continues
to be for Russia to deescalate the situation so that additional
sanctions are not needed. However, we are resolved to continue to work
with our international partners and take the steps required, including
action against individuals and entities in specific sectors, if Russia
continues to press forward.”