“If someone tries to ignore our national interests, accuses us of something without proof, expels our ambassadors - such countries will be considered unfriendly states, and we will respond to such actions, thereby ensuring the security of Russia,” he said in an interview to the Interfax agency.
Vakhrukov noted that the Russian side will defend its national interests and strengthen international security.
At the same time, he added that Russia "stands for strategic stability, for building equal cooperation in accordance with the norms of international law."
Earlier, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said that the Russian side does not exclude the possibility of expanding the list of unfriendly countries.
On May 14, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the list of unfriendly states.
The list includes two countries: the United States and the Czech Republic.
According to the document, the Czech Republic will be able to employ a maximum of 19 workers from among the Russians in its diplomatic mission, while the United States will not be able to employ a single one.