MOSCOW. March 20 (Interfax) - A Russian deputy defense minister claimed on Thursday that neither the situation in Ukraine nor potential Western sanctions would hinder the implementation of plans to rearm the Russian Armed Forces.
"The Ministry of Defense is making detailed analyses of all risks that are posed by potential sanctions and non-delivery of products by Ukrainian enterprises. These risks are being monitored carefully. Together with the industry, we hold regular conferences, make assessments of all these risks, look at necessary replacements. I believe that we will rule out situations where state defense contracts would be blocked, so let them give up their hopes," Yury Borisov said during a meeting with defense industry trade union leaders.
"Life surely won't be easier for us, but that's nothing new to us. I think that the country has gained a lot more after the latest events than it has lost, even if the sanctions that we are being threatened with go ahead," he said.