The Brazilian Foreign Minister called Rutte's words about sanctions due to trade with Russia inappropriate.

The threats of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that Brazil, China and India may face secondary sanctions if they do not stop trading with Russia are senseless and inappropriate. This was announced on Thursday, July 17, by Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira.

"I consider the statements of the NATO Secretary General to be completely inappropriate. First of all, NATO is a military alliance that does not enter into trade agreements. Secondly, Brazil is not a member of this alliance," CNN Brasil quoted Vieira as saying.

Vieira also stressed that Rutte's threats contradict the order of international trade. Brazil, in turn, resolves trade issues on a bilateral basis or within the framework of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the diplomat noted.

In addition, the Brazilian Foreign Minister drew attention to the fact that the European Union itself continues to purchase Russian oil and gas. Thus, the authors of the threats "make their own statements meaningless" that Russia is allegedly in international isolation.

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And why will 100% duties make little difference in trade, and Patriot supplies to the Ukrainian Armed Forces will not bring them success on the battlefield?

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on July 16 that China opposes unilateral sanctions for trade with Russia and believes that only peaceful dialogue will resolve the conflict in Ukraine. In addition, Lin Jian stated that it was impossible to win the trade war and called on the North Atlantic Alliance to negotiate.