Kremlin warns US about intention to increase sanctions on Russia

The Kremlin warned that new US sanctions against Russia would harm the interests of both countries.

Russian and American flags. Photo: Reuters.

"We consider the continued rhetoric of sanctions to be counterproductive and harmful to the interests of both countries," AFP quoted Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov as saying today.

The US Senate unanimously approved tougher sanctions on Russia in mid-June. However, the sanctions bill has not yet passed the House of Representatives and must be signed by President Donald Trump to take effect. The US House of Representatives is expected to vote on July 25.

According to Peskov, the Kremlin is still waiting to see whether President Trump will sign off on the measures.

Before Mr Trump makes a final decision, it is too early to say whether Moscow plans to retaliate, Mr Peskov said.

US-Russia relations have fallen to their lowest point since the Cold War. The US imposed sanctions on Russia for its alleged interference in the Ukraine crisis, which Moscow denied.

According to VNE