Moscow's Red Line

MEDVEDEV: BLOCKING 

RUSSIA FROM SWIFT AN 

‘ACT OF WAR’

TruNews,

6 December, 2019

The Russian Prime Minister Says Moscow’s Response To Such A Move Would Be “Without Limits.

During the height of tensions over last year’s Kerch Strait Incident, then-U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations Kurt Volker suggested that Washington block Russian banks from the dollar-denominated Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.

In an interview at the time, Ambassador Volker told Voice of America that blocking Russia from SWIFT is a “nuclear option.” He added:

“It would have costs for everybody involved. Big costs for Russia, but big costs for allies, as well. Ultimately, we have to keep it on the table as a possibility, because we just can’t continue to see Russia launch further steps of aggression in its neighborhood like this.”

During his year-end press conference Thursday, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev was asked about the threat. In response have gave an ominous threat of his own:

“This would in fact be a declaration of war. But nevertheless it was discussed.”

Medvedev also made it clear that the Russian response to any such provocation would be “without limits.” He then added:

“We’ll watch developments and if such decisions are made, I want to note that our economic reaction and generally any other reaction will be without limits.”

In recent months, Russia has considered joining the European INSTEX special payment system that was designed to circumvent U.S. sanctions on Iran.

(Photo Credit: Russian Government)