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Russian diplomat: US grabs "sanction stick" at any convenient opportunity

MOSCOW, October 28. /TASS/. The United States grabs the sanction stick at any convenient opportunity, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov told the BRICS university summit.

"In Washington’s practical actions the tool of sanctions is of special importance and plays an ever greater role," the diplomat said. "Figuratively speaking the United States grabs the ‘sanctions stick’ at any inconvenient opportunity and inconvenient opportunity, too."

Apparently, Washington has arrived at the conclusion that this tool is "least costly and most effective."

"Proving the reverse, that the sanctions do not work, will be very hard, but very important. If that is not done, this pattern will last," Ryabkov said.

The European Union and the United States imposed sanctions on whole sectors of the Russian economy in July 2014. Russia retaliated with restrictions on the import of foods. At the end of July, in response to the prolongation of sanctions Russia extended its own food import embargo till August 5, 2015.