MOSCOW, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Russia is considering the option of lowering the level of diplomatic relations with the United States if Washington takes practical measures to confiscate its assets, RIA Novosti reported on Thursday, citing Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday voted to pass a foreign aid package that includes long-stalled aid for Israel and Ukraine. The bill, which U.S. President Joe Biden signed into law on Wednesday, also includes measures to confiscate frozen Russian assets for funding Ukraine.
"We are now exploring the optimal form of reaction," Ryabkov said, adding that Moscow is considering both economic and diplomatic responses.
"Among the countermeasures, there may also be actions against the assets of our Western opponents," he said. ■
