Russia promises a “strong” and “painful” response to US sanctions.

Russia on Wednesday promised an answer”strong” and “painful” to the US sanctions announced after President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of two breakaway Ukrainian regions.

“Let there be no doubt: there will be a strong response to these sanctions, not necessarily symmetrical, but well calculated and painful for the United States.”, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The United States announced on Tuesday afirst batch” of sanctions to block Russia’s access to Western financial markets, warning that there are additional measures “on the table” in case there is an escalation in Ukraine.

A senior US official indicated that the entire Russian financial system could be subject to sanctions.

“Russia has shown that with all the cost of sanctions, it is capable of minimizing the damage they cause”, affirmed the Russian diplomacy affirming that the pressure of these punitive measures “cannot influence Russia’s will to firmly defend its interests”.

Russia denounced ablackmail and intimidation” by the United States, but affirmed that it continues “open to diplomacy based on the principles of mutual respect, equality and consideration of mutual interests”, added the ministry.

Sanctions were also announced by the European Union, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The most striking was Berlin’s decision to freeze the certification of the Nord Stream II gas pipeline, which is already completed, and which was to increase the flow of energy from Russia to Germany.