Russia promises retaliation for US sanctions over Ukraine

Moscow said on Wednesday it would react in kind to United States' widening of sanctions imposed on Russia over the crisis in Ukraine, criticising the move as straining relations and posing risks for international stability.

The US Federal Register said on Wednesday Washington was adding 29 people to the sanctions list to tighten restrictions previously imposed on Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia's response would be reciprocal.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said that adding more sanctions on Moscow was illegitimate and added to a series of hostile actions taken by the United States against Russia.

It said the "reckless" US policy was "fraught with serious costs for international stability".

"The United States should have no illusions that it could continue this course without negative consequences for themselves," the ministry said.

"Response measures, not necessarily mirror ones, will follow from our side."

The new US sanctions cover people and entities linked to those already sanctioned, including Gennady Timchenko, a prominent Russian gas trader, Russia's top oil producer Rosneft and firearms maker Kalashnikov Concern.

Some of the entities are based in Cyprus, Finland, Romania, Switzerland and Britain.

They also target ferry operator and ports in Crimea, a Black Sea peninsula annexed by Russia from Ukraine last year, in a move that took relations between Moscow and the West to their lowest point since the Cold War.

Kiev and the West accuse Moscow of driving a pro-Russian separatist rebellion in east Ukraine, which started shortly after the Crimea annexation. Russia denies this.

related articles
Russia poses greatest threat to US national security, joint chiefs nominee tells Senate
Russia poses greatest threat to US national security, joint chiefs nominee tells Senate

Russia poses greatest threat to US national security, joint chiefs nominee tells Senate

Ukraine: Fighting flares between government forces and Russian-backed rebels
Ukraine: Fighting flares between government forces and Russian-backed rebels

Ukraine: Fighting flares between government forces and Russian-backed rebels

Ukraine: Violent nationalist protest outside parliament leaves one dead, many injured
Ukraine: Violent nationalist protest outside parliament leaves one dead, many injured

Ukraine: Violent nationalist protest outside parliament leaves one dead, many injured

News
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off
Irish archbishops urge peace and reconciliation amid Drumcree stand-off

Ireland’s Catholic and Church of Ireland archbishops have appealed for an “urgent” initiative to resolve the Drumcree parade dispute and asked Christians to pray for peace. 

Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin
Former priest Chris Brain convicted of rape as Church review set to begin

Former Church of England priest Chris Brain has been convicted of rape and four counts of indecent assault following a retrial. 

Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester

Franklin Graham used the biblical story of Lot’s flight from Sodom to urge thousands in Manchester on Saturday night to seek forgiveness through Christ and accept His gift of salvation.

More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report

More than 4,200 Christians have been killed in Nigeria so far this year, according to a new report calling for stronger action to protect communities facing violence across the country’s Middle Belt.