MOSCOW. Feb 16 (Interfax) - The new British law, which broadens the capacity for sanctions against Russia, is unrelated to Ukraine and targets strategic sectors of the Russian economy, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"The UK is ready to be among the first responders, with or without good reason. For instance, a few days ago they amended the law that was adopted to impose restrictions on Russia as a penalty for our actions in the Ukraine situation," Lavrov said at a press conference on Wednesday.
"The new law is completely unrelated to Ukraine. It allows the British authorities to impose sanctions on any entities, individuals or legal entities connected to the Russian state or bearing a great significance for the Russian authorities, in addition to the activity of individuals and legal entities in the sectors strategically important for the Russian government," he said.
These are transport, the chemical industry and lots of other sectors, Lavrov said.
"Just to be clear: the British authorities may impose sanctions on any individuals and legal entities for the sole reason of being owned by Russia or being Russian citizens or entities. Of course, there has never been anything like this in history," he said.