Moscow, March 22nd (RHC) The Federation Council (Senate) of Russia accused the United States and the European Union (EU) of political blackmail and of punishing Russia for assuming an independent policy.
 
The upper house of the Russian Parliament made the statements yesterday in a declaration that passed unanimously, describing the unilateral sanctions imposed by U.S. government and approved by President Barack Obama and the EU against Russian officials, parliamentarians and business executives as unprecedented actions and political blackmail.

The Russian Senate also described Western countries' logic as cynical, since it violates basic rules of international rights, while many of them blatantly use force when they want to overthrow heads of sovereign states that do not coincide with their interests.

The Russian Senate also condemned the refusal of heads of government of the West and the United States for people to exercise their right to self determination through the most democratic means, like a referendum, said lawmakers.

During the discussion of the resolution, lawmakers emphasized that the Russian Federation Council fully supported the policy outlined by President Vladimir Putin, based on the support of the Russian people.