Russia reacts to new US, EU sanctions

World Today

In Russia, opinions are divided over the likely impact of a new round sanctions imposed by the U.S. and European Union.

While the EU is expected to expand its list of targeted individuals and companies, a new poll shows a majority of Russians blame the West for the conflict and back continued Russian support for Ukraine’s separatists. CCTV-America’s Tom Barton reports from Moscow.

Russia reacts to new sanctions by U.S. and EU

In Russia, opinions are divided over the likely impact of a new round sanctions imposed by the U.S. and European Union.

Follow Tom Barton on Twitter @TomBartonJourno

A new survey published by the independent Levada-Center polling organization shows a majority of Russians believe their country should continue its support for the separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Of the poll’s 1600 respondents, around a third were worried about sanctions, two thirds weren’t. A majority of those polled said they expect a lengthy regional conflict, and two-thirds said they expect Russia to go to war against Ukraine. More than half said the regional conflict could even lead to a third world war.

Publicly it’s not hard to hear on the Russian street, or from Russian state media, the attitude of bluster. But privately among oligarchs, economists and some politicians present and former, the reaction is one of fear.

“Russia’s economy has been plummeting like a falling bomber plane. The GDP growth has been going down and down and down,” said Andrei Nechayev, a former economy minister. “As for citizens, they will just feel that the already worsening economy is shifting towards crisis or that the situation was worsened by sanctions, I think they would not care who are to blame.”

Though Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Russia will not retaliate or “fall into hysterics” over the economic damage caused by sanctions, if Russian banks defense and technology firms get squeezed by tumbling sales and a lack of financing, that could change.

CCTV-America’s Sean Callebs reports on U.S. President Barack Obama announcement of America’s measures on Russia.

President Obama speaks on new measures to be taken on Russia

CCTV-America's Sean Callebs reports on U.S. President Barack Obama announcement of America's measures on Russia.

Follow Sean Callebs on Twitter @seancctv