Russian Talks Cancelled Due to Tightened Sanctions

Russian officials have canceled a meeting with US officials that was aimed at resolving issues between the two countries. This announcement was made right after the United States stated that there will be an expansion of sanctions towards Russian officials and legal entities in regards to the ongoing problems in the Ukraine.

The meeting was supposed to be held between Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergey Ryabkov, and the US Under Secretary of State, Tom Shannon. The previously planned meeting was due to take place in St. Petersburg.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov and US Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon was due to take place in St Petersburg. The Russian Foreign Minister made a statement claiming that, “As we know, in the next few days there were plans to continue the bilateral consultations on the ‘irritants’ that we have accumulated in our Russian-American relations, plans to find ways out of the extremely difficult situation in which the American side wore the partnership and cooperation with Russia down.”

The ministry also noted that after yesterday’s decision on sanctions, the current situation will not allow for the meeting. According to the Ryabkov, “Washington didn’t offer nor is offering anything specific.” Russia believes that Washington’s attempt to reach a common ground is unconvincing.

The United States made the decision to tighten sanctions with Russia on Tuesday in order to force an end to the countries occupation of Crimea.

Among the 38 people that were added to the list of sanctions targets were two Russian officials whose assets will now be frozen. These individuals will be forbidden from doing business with US citizens and companies, as well as raising financing in the US.

The Treasury Department claims that this action is consistent with the US commitment to reach a resolution in the Ukraine crisis. The department has made it clear that sanctions will not be lifted until Russia leaves Crimea.

Heather Naurt, a spokesperson for the State Department, says that the United States regrets Russia’s decision to cancel the talks. She also adds that the package of sanctions issued Tuesday were only meant to reinforce those that are already in place.

Naurt claims that, “Let’s remember that these sanctions didn’t just come out of nowhere. Our targeted sanctions were imposed in response to Russia’s ongoing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of its neighbor, Ukraine.”

She adds that if the Russians seek to end these sanctions, they understand the US position. They will remain in place until Russia ends it’s occupation in Crimea. She also calls on the Russian government to explain why the meeting was canceled. Naurt says that, “From our perspective, and as Secretary Tillerson has made clear, there are many issues to be discussed. We remain open to future discussions.”