Zakharova: it is an illusion to believe that the West would not have imposed sanctions without recognizing the DPR and LPR .jpg” alt=”Zakharova called the West's refusal of sanctions without recognizing the DPR and LPR an illusion” />
Maria Zakharova
Arguments that the West would not have imposed sanctions against Russia if it had not recognized the independence of Donetsk and Luhansk people's republics (DNR and LNR),— this is an illusion, said Maria Zakharova, spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, on the Soloviev Live YouTube channel.
“Now everyone is also wondering: sanctions, reaction, Western, so to speak, a wave of anger, how wide will it spread [ after Russia recognized the sovereignty of the DNR and LNR]. But it is a big illusion to think that there would be no sanctions, anger and condemnation [if Russia did not recognize the DNR and LNR]. Would be sure,— she said.
According to Zakharova, Western countries “do not need a reason” to impose sanctions. “Even these reasons will be contrary to their message and facts on earth, it will not matter,” — she said.
After Russia recognized the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics, US President Joe Biden signed a decree imposing sanctions against the LNR and the DNR. In particular, the document prohibits American citizens from investing in the economies of the republics and trading with them, as well as exporting goods from the United States there and importing any goods from the DPR and LPR into the country.
In addition, the White House announced new sanctions against Russia because of the recognition of the sovereignty of the republics of Donbass. They will be announced on February 22.
Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, in turn, said that in Russia they know “what will happen next.” and are ready for political pressure, including through sanctions. According to him, Russia has “strong nerves”, since it has already gone through all this.