In a recent interview Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that his country was ready to end ties with the European Union. This statement comes after reports of upcoming economic sanctions from the EU which seek to hurt the Russian economy.
The imprisonment of Alexei Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, has been a primary reason why these new sanctions have gained traction and support from many in the West. Additionally, the expulsion of Polish, Swedish and German diplomats from Russia, which happened abruptly, has only complicated relations further. It has since become clear that the EU’s Foreign Policy Chief was not informed that the expulsions would take place, even though he was in Moscow meeting Lavrov.
Germany and France have led the calls for sanctions in response to the unforeseen actions by the Russian Foreign Ministry. Freezing assets of Putin allies and imposing travel bans on certain high-profile Russian citizens are measures which are expected to be implemented by the EU this month.
Regarding the termination of ties between these important European powers, according to a Reuters translation, Foreign Minister Lavrov said: “We proceed from the fact that we’re ready [for that] in the event that we again see sanctions imposed in some sectors that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive spheres.”
He continued to give a frank description of Russia’s foreign policy position: “We don’t want to isolate ourselves from global life, but we have to be ready for that. If you want peace then prepare for war.”