Russian Foreign Minister SERGEI LAVROV says the country is ready to cut ties with the European Union EU if the bloc imposes new sanctions.

LAVROV, said while the country does not want isolation from world affairs, a break in relations could be triggered by EU sanctions that create risks for the Russian economy, including in the most sensitive areas.

His comments come after the EU raised the prospect of further sanctions amid a dispute over the treatment of the jailed Russian opposition leader, ALEXEI NAVALNY.