Russia Prepared to Implement New Retaliatory Measures Against the US if Escalation Continues, Says Sergey Lavrov

Russia is ready to take new retaliatory measures against the United States if the latter continues down the path of escalation. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated this during the "Moscow. Kremlin. Putin" program, as reported by TASS agency.

"Everything has been said in response to the last unfriendly actions of the Americans. We have announced all the measures we have taken and are still prepared to take if escalation continues," said the minister.

Lavrov also noted that Moscow has responded positively to Washington's proposal for a meeting between the presidents of Russia and the United States and is currently considering that possibility. US President Joe Biden expressed his desire to meet with Putin in a phone call on April 15, suggesting a summit in Europe during the summer.

Russian-American relations have soured following an interview in which Biden referred to his Russian counterpart as a "killer," stating that he would "pay a price" for meddling in the US presidential elections. Hours after expressing a desire to meet with Putin, Biden signed an executive order imposing sanctions against Moscow.