WASHINGTON, April 13. /TASS/. The US ban on the import of Russian aluminum, copper and nickel is an unjustified and politicized step, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov told reporters.

"The announced strict prohibitions on trade with our aluminum, copper and nickel are another unjustified and politicized step. Moreover, this decision is not even a "shot in the foot," but sort of reckless gunfire," the ambassador said.

The diplomat noted that the Americans themselves have already reduced purchases of Russian metals to a minimum some time ago. They forced companies to turn down favorable contracts with reliable suppliers from our country. He assumed that Washington’s current determination is probably based on calculations that commodity prices will not skyrocket in the US itself.

"However, the Administration readily provokes imbalances on the global markets by involving its allies into sanctions. Unites States portrays such illegitimate steps as evidence of its "leadership" in containing Russia. As well as an attempt to hinder our successes in the Special Military Operation," Antonov noted. On Friday, the US authorities introduced a ban on the import of aluminum, copper and nickel of Russian origin. The US and UK have also restricted the use of Russian-origin aluminum, copper and nickel on global metals exchanges and over-the-counter derivative transactions. As a result, the London Metal Exchange and the Chicago Mercantile Exchange will no longer be allowed to replenish the stocks of aluminum, copper and nickel in their warehouses through the supply of Russian raw materials.