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Western sanctions show there are no rules, Russia’s first deputy PM says

According to Andrey Belousov, the idea of autarky has recently emerged as a response to global developments

ST. PETERSBURG, June 16. /TASS/. Western sanctions have made it clear that there are no rules anymore, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov said at the opening ceremony of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.

"We are dealing with a major global crisis of trust. The most painful blow that sanctions delivered to each and every country is that they made it clear that there are no rules. No rules at all. The one who has a gun is stronger, that’s all. It is the only rule," he pointed out.

"And what does a world with no rules mean? It means war. In fact, it is about war. It is about an economic war, a political war, you name it," Belousov added.

According to him, the idea of autarky has recently emerged as a response to global developments. "I have taken note of a remark by the head of one of our economic agencies - I won’t disclose the name - that our exports aren’t profitable anymore because of discounts so let’s focus on our own country. It is an isolationist approach. We know that the United States has done a lot for that (to isolate Russia - TASS). However, it’s hardly a good option," the first deputy prime minister emphasized.

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