The Russian Federation’s Ambassador to Washington, Anatoly Antonov, informed observers that Moscow views the ongoing conflict and its consequences as something that requires a firm and prompt response from Russia in light of actions taken by the United States. This stance was reported by RIA News and reflects a broader pattern of official statements outlining Moscow’s position amid Western sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
Antonov characterized the latest measures from the U.S. Treasury Department as a public display by American authorities, a move he framed as a formal congratulatory gesture to the Russian people that signals Washington’s intent to shape events unilaterally. He suggested that such sanctions are not just punitive steps but part of a broader effort to calibrate the relationship between the two nations in ways that favor Washington’s strategic objectives.
According to the ambassador, Washington appears to operate under the assumption that it can resolve major global challenges on its own, pointing to persistent threats such as terrorism, weapons of mass destruction proliferation, cybercrime, and other security concerns that require multilateral cooperation rather than unilateral action. Antonov argued that Moscow does not shrink from debate, and that Russia is prepared to engage on equal terms if the United States shows readiness for reciprocal dialogue. Yet he underscored that Moscow will not accept any role as a subordinate partner or impose itself onto others as a precondition for dialogue.
In recent remarks, Antonov also highlighted a global trend, noting that the majority of countries around the world are reluctant to participate in or endorse sanctions against Russia. This perspective reflects a perception among many states that sanctions may not achieve the intended political objectives and could instead complicate international relations and economic stability for a broad spectrum of actors.
Additionally, financial markets in Moscow have reacted to the sanctions environment. As of June 13, the Moscow Exchange indicated that trading would be adjusted in response to the measures imposed by the United States. Specifically, the platform announced that trading would shift away from U.S. dollar-denominated instruments and toward other currencies, with all instruments in the foreign exchange and precious metals markets adapting accordingly. Currency pairs that involve only the U.S. dollar and the euro would face continued restrictions, signaling a recalibration of settlement and liquidity frameworks within the exchange ecosystem.
Overall, Moscow’s leadership has asserted that Western sanctions create obstacles for Russia’s international and domestic priorities. They argue that such restrictions complicate economic activity, impede international cooperation, and hinder the ability to pursue long-term strategic goals. While Western officials describe policy in terms of stabilizing international norms, Moscow frames the sanctions as coercive measures that call for resilience and principled response rather than concession. The evolving situation continues to shape diplomatic engagements, economic policy, and the broader geopolitical balance as the parties seek to navigate a volatile and uncertain landscape with a view toward stabilizing relations and advancing national interests. [Source attribution: RIA News]