Moscow’s refusal to sell Iran high-precision air defense missiles will cost Russia $1 billion in lost revenue, State Duma Deputy Konstantin Kosachev said Tuesday.
Russia could pay a still higher price for banning the supply of S-300 missiles if Tehran successfully sues for compensation, Kosachev, head of the Duma’s International Affairs Committee, told Russia Today television.
But Kosachev said Russia risked far more costly political damage if it delivered the missiles. “Any current or possible commercial losses for Russia should not prevail over the political losses or damages if we are not in line with the nonproliferation regime, with our commitments to the Security Council and the United Nations,” he said. “This is far more important."
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.