Visitors at an ATM in a Sberbank branchWASHINGTON, Apr 7 against Sberbank and Alfa-Bank represent a direct blow to ordinary Russians, Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov said, answering questions from the media. The United States on Wednesday expanded restrictions on Russia, including 18 individuals and dozens of companies, including related with Sberbank and Alfa-Bank. The diplomat called the actions of the White House «non-stop sanctions attacks» that indicate the true intentions of the United States.
"Example — restrictions against "Sberbank" and "Alfa Bank", where most Russians keep their savings", Antonov said, calling this decision a direct blow to the Russian population.
Antonov also said that the United States, trying to make it difficult for Russia to service public debt, they want to tarnish its reputation. The West has stepped up pressure on Russia after the start of military operations in Ukraine. Large state-owned banks were disconnected from the SWIFT system, many companies announced a freeze on their current activities in the country or about leaving the Russian market. The European Union is also discussing the rejection of Russian energy imports.