Russia is ready to break off relations with the EU if Brussels imposes sanctions on sensitive sectors of the Russian economy. This was stated by Foreign Minister Lavrov in an interview with journalist Solovyov.

“We proceed from the fact that we are ready [to sever relations with the European Union] if we see again, as we have already felt more than once, that sanctions are being imposed in some areas, which create risks for our economy, including the most sensitive areas,” Lavrov said.
A day earlier, it became known about the introduction of new EU sanctions against the Russian Federation: they are planned to be introduced in the next month. According to sources, which are closed to the issue, there is a consensus on this issue between the countries of the European bloc.

On February 7, the head of European diplomacy Borrell announced the distancing of Russia from the European Union. He explained that he had come to this conclusion after meeting with Lavrov and “a signal from the Russian authorities during this visit.” In his opinion, Moscow does not want to use the opportunity for a more constructive dialogue.