Brexit has weakened Europe and created ‘uncertainties’, warns Russian deputy PM
Arkady Dvorkovich says his country is 'open' to a new relationship with a post-EU Britain
BRITAIN’S vote to leave the EU has left Europe “weaker”, Russia's deputy prime minister has said.
Arkady Dvorkovich told the that Brexit has left “uncertainties” about its future.
Speaking to Newsnight he said: £For Russia it's important that Europe is strong.
“We need strong partners to go forward, and the British decision to leave Europe made Europe a little bit weaker at this point".
Mr Dvorkovich, who oversees economic policy for his government, also refuted that President Vladimir Putin was rooting for Brexit to weaken Britain’s vocal input on sanctions on Russia over its policy in Ukraine.
He told the show: “That's just not true.”
The Russian deputy prime minister argued that the UK's eventual withdrawal would not make a big difference to the European Union's debates over sanctions.
Speaking to the BBC at the European House-Ambrosetti Forum economic conference, at Villa d'Este in Italy, Mr Dvorkovich said the sanctions were “counter-productive” and blamed the influence of the US.
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The EU is due to review its sanctions against Russia in mid-September.
Analysts suggest Russia’s economy shrank by 3.7% in 2015.
Mr Dvorkovichadded: “Out of 3.7% contraction, 0.5% is related to sanctions and the rest is related to oil prices.”
Russia has seen oil prices of more than $100 per barrel fall to around $40.
Meanwhile, there is still speculation that Britain might attempt to increase trade with Russia following Theresa May's appointment as PM.
Mr Dvorkovich said: “Let's see how it goes.
“We are open, we are ready at any point in time”.
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