Russian Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented on the sanctions imposed by Russia on Ukraine. The spokesman recalled that the government was implementing a presidential decree. At the same time, he stressed that "these are retaliatory sanctions."
"Russia did not initiate this kind of exchange of restrictions, Ukraine had imposed sanctions on a number of our companies and individuals. From the very beginning, we pointed out that reciprocal steps were inevitable," TASS cited Peskov as saying.
He added that Russia may remove retaliatory sanctions against Ukraine in case relations between the two countries improve. He clarified conditions for the removal of Russia’s retaliatory restrictions. According to him, it may happen "if we reach a point in the near future where we start taking steps to improve ties and ease tensions in bilateral relations."
