The United States wants to maintain uncertainty about the content of the package of sanctions that the country promises to impose against Russia in the event of its invasion of Ukraine, Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said in an interview with CBS. According to her, this is necessary for the most effective impact on Moscow.
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“We are talking about financial measures, EXPORT restrictions, new sanctions against Russian elites. But if we present them now, Russia can begin to mitigate [the consequences] - this, as it seems to us, does not make any sense, ”she explained. Containment works best when there is “some strategic uncertainty,” Nuland said.
The Deputy Secretary of State said that a package of sanctions is being developed and agreed with the US European partners. She stressed that the measures, if taken, would affect not only the Russian authorities, but also the inhabitants of the country "in economic terms." “It will be a powerful blow for them,” Nuland said.
The United States is also taking other measures in case of Russian aggression: it is supplying Ukraine with anti-tank and anti-aircraft weapons, and is also “preparing NATO territory” for a possible military conflict, the diplomat noted.