Biden's statements on breaking off relations with Russia are intimidation attempt - Deputy FM Ryabkov

MOSCOW. March 3 (Interfax) - The statements by U.S. President Joe Biden on breaking off relations with Russia are an attempt to intimidate Moscow; no one is breaking off relations with the United States, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said.

"This is yet another attempt to intimidate us, but I repeat and underline that we are not scared. We are working confidently and calmly, we have specific objectives, and we will be addressing them. No one is going to stop dialogue with the United States," Ryabkov said on the RBC television channel.

The formats and configuration of the dialogue depend on the specific tasks of the United States and Russia, he said.

"The blow dealt to the entire structure of relations with Russia has been so serious that consequences of the unfolding events have yet to be analyzed and sorted out for a long time. There should be no illusion: the United States has seriously escalated tensions with the assistance of their allies and satellites and are continuing the shameless, direct blackmail and threats of pressure on those who listen to our stance and who are ready to understand the reasons and motivation behind the current events in Ukraine," Ryabkov said.