Moscow — Russia warned of worsening ties with the US after accusing President Donald Trump of caving in to congress by signing a law that could keep sanctions in place for years. The legislation is "a declaration of fully fledged economic war on Russia" that could last for "decades", Russian prime minister Dmitry Medvedev wrote on Facebook. The Trump administration "has shown its complete weakness" by signing the law and "relations between Russia and the US are going to be extremely tense", he said. Russia, which has already retaliated by ordering the US to slash staff at its diplomatic mission by almost two thirds, could take further "counter-measures", according to the foreign ministry. The law strengthens punitive measures imposed over Russia’s intervention in Ukraine and meddling in last year’s US presidential election, and gives congress the power to block Trump from lifting them. Its passage ended lingering Russian hopes that Trump could deliver on his campaign pledge to work ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.