FNC: Russia Accuses U.S. of Waging ‘Economic War’

CORKE: “Trish, as you can well imagine, there are a lot of folks here in Washington who are listening to the headlines and they are wondering what exactly did Russia mean by what we just read there by Dmitry Medvedev? Clearly this is a circumstance where the Russians are saying what the U.S. has done with respect to sanctions is simply too much and the deterioration between these two countries is really pronounced. Let me share that statement that you just shared a part of. I think you will understand why eyebrows not just here in Washington but across the globe are certainly being raised this afternoon. Here is Medvedev, the Russian Prime Minister. ‘If something like a ban on bank operations or currency use follows, it will amount to a declaration of economic war and it will warrant a response with economic means, political means and, if necessary, other means. Our American friends should understand that.’ Now, that threat follows this week’s announced U.S. sanctions on Moscow for its use of a nerve agent to target a former Russian spy on British soil. Those sanctions, by the way, which could ratchet up even more in 90 days, just the latest blow to the Russian economy and, in particular, its currency. I don’t have to tell you this, you know this. But for the folks at home who are unaware, the President’s Dollar Diplomacy sent the ruble plummeting. Their currency is down 7 percent for the week. Its worst week in over three years. It is absolutely cratering. As for the State Department, here is what Heather Nauert had to say. She said ‘Secretary Pompeo spoke with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. Secretary Pompeo reiterated the U.S. seeks an improved relationship with Russia and agreed to further dialogue.’ I want to share what Lavrov is saying today. He is expressing Moscow’s categorical disagreement with what they’re calling ‘punitive measures’ by Washington. The back and forth ratcheting up even as we speak. Trish?”