Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday characterized the new US anti-Russian sanctions bill signed into law by President Donald Trump as a declaration of "full-fledged economic war."
"If that is what Russia is saying, Russia is certainly entitled to say that, and that is as far as I am going to go," Nauert said when asked about Medvedev’s statement.
Medvedev also said now there was no hope for making Russia's relations with the new US administration better. Yet, Nauert contended "there is always hope for improvement."
Moreover, she said many leaders in the past have made provocative statements, especially at heated times, but at this point it would be better "to settle things down."
The United States and Russia continue to share multiple areas of cooperation, including the fight against terrorism, Nauert added.
On Wednesday, Trump signed into law a bill that was overwhelmingly passed by Congress to tighten restrictive measures on Russia, North Korea and Iran. The law prevents the US president from removing sanctions on Russia without congressional approval. Trump characterized the legislation as being significantly flawed.
