WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- After new U.S. sanctions on Russia over a poisoned ex-spy took effect on Monday, the Russian embassy to the United States blasted the move and said Moscow will "withstand" Washington's "brute pressure."
In a statement posted on its Facebook page, the embassy said the sanctions were "hostile," "illegitimate" and "one-sided."
"Decisions are made with zero attempts to look into things, while ignoring our calls for dialogue, in absence of any real proof of 'Russia's guilt,'" said the statement, accusing the U.S. mainstream media of spreading "absurd accusations" against Russia.
U.S. politicians "have an unhealthy craving for demolishing the fundamental basis of bilateral relations, on which rests the global security," Russian embassy's statement said, warning that "every new 'seizure' of American sanctions 'fever' brings the U.S. close to the point of no return in resolving pressing international issues."
"It turns out that no one is safe from the brute pressure of Washington. Not everyone can withstand it. But Russia can," the embassy said.
Former Russian double agent Sergei Skripal, aged 66, and his daughter Yulia were found unconscious on a bench outside a shopping center in Britain's southwestern city of Salisbury on March 4.
Britain claimed the pair were exposed to a nerve agent and holds Russia responsible. Russia has denied any involvement.
Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department said the country will impose new sanctions on Russia over the case.
On Monday morning, the Federal Register -- the U.S. government publishing office -- said in a notice that the new U.S. sanctions came into effect.
