By introducing new sanctions against Russia, the United States is sending a signal to Kiev not to agree to negotiations with Moscow, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told reporters.
"Should the new restrictions be considered as a response to Russia’s readiness to reach out with concrete proposals to resume negotiations to resolve the conflict in Ukraine? In this case, the purpose of the sanctions is clear: a signal to Kiev with indications not to agree to anything, even if it leads to downfall at the front," the ambassador said in a commentary published on the embassy’s Telegram channel.
On Friday, the US authorities introduced a ban on the import of aluminum, copper and nickel of Russian origin.
The US and UK have also restricted the use of Russian-origin aluminum, copper and nickel on global metals exchanges and over-the-counter derivative transactions.
As a result, the London Metal Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange will no longer be allowed to replenish the stocks of aluminum, copper and nickel in their warehouses through the supply of Russian raw materials.
On Thursday, President Vladimir Putin said Ukraine drove itself into a corner by refusing to negotiate with Russia in the hope of winning on the battlefield. But he assured that Moscow is ready for a constructive dialogue on the Ukrainian settlement.
In a February interview with American journalist Tucker Carlson, Putin said that Russia has never abandoned dialogue on Ukraine, but after the termination of negotiations in Istanbul in March 2022, it is not going to take the first step.
