Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov asserted that the United States sanctions imposed on Russia on February 24 were reckless and would not push Moscow away from its stance of independence or derail its pursuit of a multipolar world. His remarks were relayed by the press service of the Russian Embassy, with summaries prepared for TASS. The ambassador underscored that on February 24 the global community witnessed yet another round of what he described as thoughtless economic and personal restrictions directed at Russia and its citizens. He argued that these measures could not alter Russia’s political trajectory nor compel it to abandon its sovereign course. According to Antonov, the drive toward autonomy in foreign and security policy remains intact, and the aspiration to participate in shaping a multipolar international order, anchored in the principles of indivisible security, international law, and the United Nations, stands as a goal that sanctions do not erode. The message conveyed was that Moscow would not concede to pressure or coercive tactics that seek to rewrite its strategic priorities, and that the country would continue to pursue its own interests on the global stage without wavering. [Source: TASS via the Russian Embassy press service]
Antonov emphasized that while Russians may not welcome further restrictions, and while the government acknowledges the hardship such measures can bring on ordinary people, there is a clear distinction between domestic morale and the sovereignty of state policy. He suggested that the restrictions were calculated to retaliate against Russia’s international posture, rather than to influence the country’s actions. The envoy conveyed that Moscow views these sanctions as a test of resolve but not as a lever capable of diverting the nation from its long-term goals. He noted that calling for shifts in Russia’s strategic orientation or pressing for concessions would be ineffective, as the country is committed to maintaining an independent policy. The ambassador’s stance implied that external pressure would not manufacture a retreat into alignment with Western preferences, and that the pursuit of a multipolar system would persist regardless of punitive measures. [Source: TASS via the Russian Embassy press service]
Further comments highlighted that the United States announced penalties to coincide with the anniversary of Moscow’s special operations, a timing that underscores Washington’s intent to signal disapproval rather than to seek practical policy changes. The sanctions reportedly targeted more than ten Russian banks, along with several government ministers and Leonid Pasechnik, the acting head of the LPR. In addition, there was mention of a forthcoming 200 percent tax on aluminum starting in March, which the ambassador framed as another instance of economic pressure aimed at influencing Russia’s actions. The Russian side framed these actions as part of a broader pattern of coercive diplomacy that attempts to destabilize the country’s economy and political decision-making. The emphasis remained on resilience and continuity of policy, with Moscow insisting that such measures will not alter fundamental strategic objectives. [Source: TASS via the Russian Embassy press service]