The US Ambassador has called the sanctions against Russia are a “blunt tool”
MOSCOW, August 28 — RIA Novosti. The U.S. Ambassador in Moscow John Tefft admitted that the anti-sanctions are a “blunt instrument”, but at the same time said that they were needed.
The US imposed sanctions against Russia in connection with situation in Ukraine in 2014, after which they were repeatedly expanded.
“I think sanctions are such a blunt instrument. There have been no issues and everyone understands that,” he said in an interview with radio station “Echo of Moscow”.
“But the choice, who then stood before administration of Barack Obama, was: “do you Want to wage war with Russia?” — said the Ambassador.
Thus, the sanctions, he said, was necessary “to oppose violation of international law”.
The President of the United States Donald trump had previously signed a law involving the extension of sectoral sanctions against the Russian economy. In particular, it reduces the maximum term of financing of Russian banks under US sanctions, up to 14 days, oil and gas companies, up to 60 days (previously 30 days and 90 days, respectively).