Russian Ambassador to France urges Europeans to save their economy

Europe needs to think about its economy, and not try to threaten the Russian one. This was announced on May 16 by Russian Ambassador to France Alexey Meshkov.

He noted that the threats of new European Union (EU) sanctions voiced by Paris are ineffective and Russia is not afraid of them.

"The Europeans should first of all think about saving their economy, and not try to strangle the Russian one," Meshkov told TASS about the introduction of new economic sanctions against Russia.

The diplomat also added that Moscow has never escalated relations with Paris, so it is ready to return to improving them if France takes steps in this direction.

"Everything will depend on the position of Paris. <...> We are ready, and we will improve as France does so. Because first of all, it is in the interests of France to have good relations with Russia," he concluded.

"It is in the interests of the European Union to lift sanctions as soon as possible"

Deputy Chairman of the Slovak Parliament Tibor Gaspar — on the development of relations with the Russian Federation, prospects for Ukraine's membership in NATO and cooperation with BRICS

On May 13, French President Emmanuel Macron, on the TF1 TV channel, did not rule out the introduction of new sanctions by the European Union and the United States against Russia in the coming days.

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said on April 25 that anti-Russian sanctions had not hindered Russia's economic development. He noted that the Russian economy has grown by 4.1% over the past two years.