The introduction of anti-Russian sanctions and "similar demarches" by the United States narrows the possibilities for establishing a dialogue between Moscow and Washington, said Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolai Patrushev.
"With each such demarche, there are fewer and fewer real opportunities for cooperation with the United States...) Say one thing, do another. At the same time, we are still ready to establish equal and constructive cooperation with them," Patrushev said in an interview with the Argumenty I Fakty newspaper, answering a question about the prospects for cooperation with the United States after the introduction of the next package of sanctions, Interfax writes.
"When our partners assure us of their readiness to establish a constructive dialogue, and immediately declare that they will still take unfriendly actions against us, this can hardly be regarded as a promising signal," the Secretary of the Russian Security Council said.
He noted that he respects the statements of the White House about its readiness to improve relations with the Russian Federation, " but we prefer to believe in deeds, not words."
According to Patrushev, Russia does not need to undermine the foundations of American democracy - they, the American elites, themselves undermine the statehood of their country.
"Democratic countries do not engage in blackmail and threats against other sovereign states, do not interfere in their internal affairs. They do not violate international law, do not use military force and economic sanctions bypassing the UN...) Decide for yourself whether the United States can be called a democracy today, " the Secretary of the Russian Security Council added.
