Russia Warns of Asymmetric Response to U.S. Journalist Sanctions, Says Ambassador
Russia is prepared to implement asymmetric measures in reaction to U.S. sanctions targeting Russian journalists, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov stated on Wednesday.
“We reserve the right to respond asymmetrically, in strict accordance with Russia’s national interests,” he remarked.
Antonov indicated that Russia would closely evaluate the U.S. sanctions, which include undisclosed visa restrictions from the State Department, as reported by Xinhua news agency, citing TASS.
He expressed concerns that the U.S. would continue efforts to suppress alternative viewpoints presented by Russian media. “The attempts to stifle Russian media voices, which provide valuable perspectives in the United States, are likely to persist, and I don’t foresee an improvement in this situation anytime soon,” he stated.
The ambassador criticized the ongoing cycle of retaliatory sanctions between the two nations, particularly those affecting the media. “This tit-for-tat exchange serves no constructive purpose and does nothing to stabilize our bilateral relations,” Antonov said.
As the U.S. presidential election approaches, he noted an increasing trend among U.S. authorities to use the “Russia card.” “There is confusion in their narrative—either Russia is meddling in U.S. affairs or it’s failing in its attempts,” he said. “The escalating anti-Russian sentiment, especially aimed at journalists, appears to be part of a broader strategy to undermine the legitimacy of the election outcome.”
On September 4, the U.S. Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, along with two of her deputies. Additionally, the U.S. State Department tightened regulations affecting various Russian media outlets, including RT, RIA Novosti, TV-Novosti, Ruptly, and Sputnik.
