The only possible method to maintain parity Russia's relations with the EU is tightening Moscow retaliatory punishment, American writer and political scientist Paul Craig Roberts.

in his vision, the true purpose of punishment of the West is to Break the economic and political relations of Europe with Russia." When international relations are deliberately complicated, it may come to war. Washington will continue to exert pressure on the Russian Federation until then, as long as Moscow does not show how much it can cost Europe ", - emphasizes the American political scientist.

Roberts believes that a cautious response to the imposed punishment would be a mistake.

" If Europe is not satisfied with the activities of Russian oil and gas organizations, may refuse to cooperate with them. Russia could ban the sale of natural gas to the countries-members of NATO or, at least, be required to make payments in rubles, which would significantly strengthen the demand for the ruble in the foreign exchange market ", - says Roberts.

in his vision, the Russian authorities are still trying to convince European countries that the punishments will cause great damage to the economy of the EU.

" this is the strategy Putin: moderation of antisanti Russia against the EU due to the fact that the country is still open for parity relations with the West and is a no-brainer, in contrast, from the capital of the United States, which continues to exert pressure on the Russian Federation, ignoring the interests of its European partners."

However, Paul Craig Roberts emphasizes that " the demonstration of good intentions " will not help Moscow to reduce the dependence of European political elites from North America.

" European politicians are too heavily dependent on the capital of the United States. To break this vicious relationship can only be blocking the gas valve. As long as we don't know what more afraid of European elites: the sudden cessation of gas supplies or anger capital of the USA ".

As the United States and European Union have imposed sanctions against Russian politicians and businessmen

The US and EU do not recognize the annexation of Crimea to Russia and accused Moscow of interfering in Ukraine. Russia denies it and calls the accusations are unacceptable. Western countries since March has repeatedly imposed punishment on a number of Russian politicians, businessmen and organizations and threatened to make wider restrictive measures. The last case of the use of such practices began in September punishment.

A complete list of Russian Citizens and organizations who are under punishment, -

Russia responded to the punishment of the West

The President of the Russian Federation centuries Putin on 6 August on the individual to ensure safety. The import of a number of items from countries that have imposed penalties on the Russian capital, limited to year. In the corresponding list includes beef, pork, fruits, poultry, dairy products, nuts, and other products. A complete list of prohibited importation into the Russian Federation of products -

sections: Politics