OREANDA-NEWS. Russia is ready to break off relations with the European Union, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. According to him, this is possible if the Russian side once again sees, as it has already felt more than once, that sanctions are being imposed in some areas, that create risks for the domestic economy, including in the most sensitive areas.

«We do not want to be isolated from world life, but we must be prepared for this. If you want peace, prepare for war», the Russian minister said on the YouTube-channel «Solovyov Live».

Earlier it was reported, that the European Union may impose an entry ban and freeze the assets of «allies» of Russian President Vladimir Putin in February, after France and Germany expressed their readiness to take this step.

The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell visited Moscow on February 4-6. Following the trip, he stated, that Russia has no interest in normalizing relations with the EU. He also expressed regret, that the Russian authorities did not want to use this opportunity to start a constructive dialogue.

Borrell admitted, that he would initiate new sanctions against Russia. He told the European Parliament, that he could exercise the relevant right. He announced the discussion of new sanctions and other deterrent measures at the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union. It is scheduled for February 22.