Russia: Western sanctions target the people rather than the government

By imposing sanctions against Russia, the West is hitting ordinary citizens of the country, said Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev said that: “The West is pushing Russians to buy goods at inflated prices, blocking their bank cards and restricting their international travel. That is why it is absolutely clear that the Western world is fighting against the citizens of our country. The West hates our people and everyone should understand that. It's not just about some government officials – they all hate us and we must never forgive that." Medvedev added that he was surprised "by the degree of cynicism" shown by the West towards Russia. “They say: 'We are punishing the Russian government. The president and the rest of his team should be sanctioned. 'Okay, I get it, they're free to do that. But in reality who is the real target of those sanctions? They are Russian citizens, with no direct involvement in politics and maybe even with conflicting views on current affairs,” the Russian official said.