MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Wednesday, Donald Trump signed into law a new bill imposing additional sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea. The sanctions target Russia's defense, intelligence, mining, shipping and railway industries and restricts dealings with Russian banks and energy companies. The law also limits the US president's ability to ease any sanctions on Russia by requiring Congressional approval to lift any restrictions.
"I think that the fact that we were included in one [sanctions] bill together with other countries, characterizes the US political practice more than anything else. Because the US president [Donald Trump] totally supports the sanctions against Iran and North Korea. That is why, by placing everything in one legislation, you are narrowing [Trump's] capabilities to oppose the bill as a whole, while there are certain things he may not agree with," Kislyak told the Russian Rossiya 24 broadcaster.
Earlier, the Russian Foreign Ministry described the new sanctions as "absolutely illegitimate" and responded with its countermeasures, suspending the use of all US Embassy warehouses and its compound in Moscow. Russia also mandated that the US cut the size of its diplomatic staff in Russia by 755 people by September 1.
Prior to imposing countermeasures, Russian President Vladimir Putin said late July that Russia is behaving patiently amid sanctions, but time will come when Moscow will be forced to respond to arrogance, adding that if adopted, the US anti-Russia sanctions bill would be an "extra-cynical move."
