Russia says ready to cut EU ties if hit with painful sanctions

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has said Moscow is ready to sever ties with the European Union if the bloc hits it with painful economic sanctions, according to extracts from an interview posted on the ministry's website on Friday, Report informs.

"We proceed from the fact that we're ready (for that). If we again see sanctions imposed in some sectors that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive spheres," Lavrov said.

"We don't want to isolate ourselves from global life, but we have to be ready for that. If you want peace, then prepare for war," he said.