"The Russian president clearly showed that regardless of the established and usually undisputed diplomatic traditions, he acts in accordance with long-term and strategic nature of bilateral relations, with no room for momentary political situation and narrow-minded political thinking," Kosachev told RIA Novosti.
Kosachev expressed hope that this non-standard, powerful and constructive signal would be correctly understood by the US President-elect Donald Trump.
On Thursday, Obama announced sanctions against six Russian individuals and five entities and expelled 35 diplomats over Moscow's alleged interference in the 2016 election and claims of harassment against US diplomats in Russia, which the Kremlin has denied.
Earlier on Friday, Putin said Russia would not expel anyone in retaliation for the new US sanctions.
