"I think they do violate [WTO norms]," Ulyukayev said in response to journalist questions.
The minister ruled out applying equivalent measures against Ukraine’s "clearly unfriendly" step, vowing instead to seek alternative forms of responsive actions.
"We will definitely respond to this, but I cannot comment on the form [of that response] at this time," Ulyukayev said.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko signed a year-long sanctions list against 388 individuals and 105 legal entities from Russia and other countries on Wednesday. Kiev moved to revise the list after a massive backlash against the inclusion of around 40 journalists and bloggers.
Russian President Vladimir Putin branded the anti-Russia sanctions imposed by Western nations last year a rejection of the basic WTO principle of equal access to goods and services markets.
