Russia slams new sanctions

Moscow – An overwhelming vote by the US House of Representatives to slap tough new sanctions on Moscow is a “serious step” towards wrecking chances of improving ties, Russia’s deputy foreign minister said yesterday.

“What has happened goes beyond the realms of common sense,” said Sergei Ryabkov. “The authors of this Bill are taking a very serious step towards destroying the possibilities for normalising relations with Russia.”

The sanctions package – which also contains measures aimed at Iran and North Korea – passed 419 to three on Tuesday after weeks of negotiations.

It now heads to the Senate before President Donald Trump will face the tricky choice of whether to veto the legislation, which has been opposed by the White House and considerably constrains his ability to lift the penalties.

If Trump does sign off on the Bill then Russia is likely to retaliate.