WASHINGTON, May 20. /TASS/. Washington's decision to add certain types of medical and agricultural equipment to the list of items prohibited for export to Russia devalues the US administration’s claims that its sanctions will not affect humanitarian goods, Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on Saturday.
"The latest sanctions ‘package’ is, in fact, a repetition of what has already been seen many times. There is nothing really new in lengthy press releases. Except, perhaps, direct contradictions. For example, certain types of medical and agricultural equipment are included in the list of goods blocked for deliveries to Russia. This devalues the numerous statements by the White House that humanitarian products are not subject to restrictions," the ambassador was quoted as saying on the mission’s official Telegram channel.
"Washington's plan is simple, i.e. to try to scare off partners from the Russian market, our companies, mutually beneficial cooperation," the diplomat continued, adding that Washington planned to "confuse the business community, experts and the public" and convince them that Russia is under some kind of "restrictions’ dome".
"Of course, this is far away from the truth. Russia, not in words, but in deeds, has proved its ability to cope with attempts to stop its progress, to force it to give up its basic principles," Antonov added.
The US’ administration has tightened export control on Russia and Belarus on a total of 1,224 types of items, the Department of Commerce said on Friday.