MOSCOW, September 10. /ITAR-TASS/. Anti-Russian sanctions are harmful for the global economy, Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich told American TV broadcaster CNBC, noting that not only Russia’s economy, but those of the United States and Europe were also faced with problems after sanctions were imposed.

“Sanctions do not bring anything good to any country,” he said.

“The world economy is not in best form now. And Russia’s economy is faced with serious challenges, dealing with diversification and trying to avoid energy addiction,” he said, referring to Russia's preoccupation with the export of oil and gas.

Dvorkovich's comments follow new European Union sanctions against Russia, approved on Monday but delayed to assess implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Ukraine. EU ambassadors are expected to meet in Brussels on Wednesday to discuss the issue.

Russia's vice-premier said his country believed crisis in Ukraine was caused by external forces. At the same time, Moscow could not stay distant from events since developments were taking place near Russia’s borders.

“Ukraine is one of Russia’s key trade partners. It is an integral part of Europe. It is our neighbor,” Dvorkovich said. “It is time for Ukraine to concentrate on solving internal problems and searching for compromise,” he said, adding that “After that will be a difficult time to restore Ukraine’s economy, now being destroyed. For this purpose, Ukraine will need funds of the European Union, Russia, the United States and international financial institutions.”