Lavrov: Moscow Considers Anti-Russia Sanctions an 'Opportunity'

Moscow does not consider the issue of lifting Western anti-Russian sanctions relevant with economic restrictions viewed as an opportunity to develop country's economy, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The economic restrictions imposed against Russia are viewed as a window of opportunity that must be used to strengthen food and technological security, as well as to diversify Russia's economy, broaden foreign trade channels and create alternative financial accounting systems, he added.

"I would say that the issue of when the anti-Russian sanctions is irrelevant for us. It was not us who imposed sanctions and we will not discuss any criteria or conditions. The only issue relevant for us is how efficiently we use the current situation in the interests of our economy and development," Lavrov said during a live linkup on kp.ru news portal.

The European Union, as well as the United States and some of their allies have imposed several rounds of sanctions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy over Crimea’s reunification with Russia in 2014 and accusations of Moscow's alleged interference in the Ukrainian internal conflict.

The latest round of Western sanctions against Russia is up for extension among EU members before the July 31 expiration deadline. The European Council, which comprises the leader of all 28 EU member states, is set to meet on June 28 and is expected to debate the issue.