Moscow, Sep 18
Russia reserves the right to take asymmetric measures in response to US sanctions targeting Russian journalists, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Wednesday.
"We reserve the right to respond asymmetrically, strictly in line with Russia's national interests," he said.
Antonov said Russia would thoroughly assess the US sanctions, including undisclosed visa restrictions imposed by the State Department, reports news agency.
He added that the United States might continue its efforts to suppress alternative viewpoints presented by Russian media outlets.
"The attempts to stifle the voices of Russian media, which offer much-needed perspectives in the United States, are likely to persist. I do not foresee an improvement in this situation anytime soon," he said.
The ambassador criticised the ongoing tit-for-tat exchange of sanctions between the two countries, especially those targeting the media.
"The cycle of retaliatory sanctions, now extending to journalists, serves no good purpose. It does nothing to stabilise or bring predictability to our bilateral relations," Antonov said.
As the US presidential election approaches, Antonov noted a growing tendency by US authorities to play the "Russia card."