OREANDA-NEWS. Russia isn't afraid of US sanctions and knows how to counter them. This was announced to reporters on Wednesday by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on the sidelines of the Gaidar Forum, commenting on Washington’s threats to impose new sanctions if Iraq purchases S-400 systems.

"Americans threaten sanctions to anyone who intends to develop military-technical cooperation, develops it. This isn't news, but a reflection of the policy pursued by Washington in order to realize its goal of domination, eliminating economic competitors who offer partners in the international market products that meet in terms of their parameters and price indicators. We aren't afraid of these sanctions, we are ready to resist them", he said.

“But we note that the United States doesn't disdain any tricks to impose on the rest of the world, including our partners, approaches that are far from satisfying and seem unlawful and illegal”, the diplomat added. On Tuesday, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Middle East Affairs Joey Hood said the United States could impose sanctions on Iraq if it acquires Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems.