Russia Says Ready to Cut Ties with EU

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced today, Friday, that his country is ready to cut ties with the European Union, if the latter imposes sanctions that could pose a threat to Russia's economy.

“We proceed from the fact that we’re ready (for that). In the event that we again see sanctions imposed in some sectors that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive spheres,” Lavrov said.

“We don’t want to isolate ourselves from global life, but we have to be ready for that. If you want peace then prepare for war,” he said.

This came in response to calls within the European Union to impose sanctions on Russia, due to the case of the Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, and the expulsion of 3 European diplomats from Moscow for their participation in unauthorized demonstrations.