The Kremlin has accused the West of behaving like bandits and claims the world is “too big” for the US and Europe to isolate a country as big as Russia.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the West was engaged in “economic banditry” against Russia and that Moscow would respond.

He did not specify what response there would be but said it would be in line with Russian interests.

Follow live Ukraine updates

“This does not mean Russia is isolated,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“The world is too big for Europe and America to isolate a country, and even more so a country as big as Russia.

“There are many more countries in the world.”

Ukraine invasion: Haas Formula One team cuts ties with Russian sponsor Uralkali and driver Nikita Mazepin

Ukraine invasion: Russian forces continue ‘ruthless’ attacks in Mariupol and other key cities as terrified citizens flee burning homes

Ukraine invasion: Russia declares ceasefire in two areas to allow humanitarian corridors out of Mariopol and Volnovakha, says state media

Mr Peskov said that if the US imposed sanctions on Russia’s energy exports then it would give a considerable jolt to energy markets.

Key developments:

The wave of global sanctions on Russia could result in dire consequences for energy and grain importers.

The country is a leading exporter of grains and a major supplier of crude oil, metals, wood and plastics.

More companies are suspending operations in Russia, including Apple, Mercedes-Benz, BP, Volkswagen, clothing retailer H&M and furnishings store IKEA.

Spain’s Teatro Real, one of Europe’s major opera houses, confirmed it will cancel a set of upcoming performances by Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet.

Sanctions appear to be doing little to deter Russian forces as fighting continues to escalate in the northern cities of Ukraine as the invasion enters its tenth day.

The northeastern city of Mariupol has faced days of “relentless attacks”, with residents left without power and water after Russian missiles struck critical infrastructure.

It is understood the city remains in Ukrainian hands, but British intelligence says it is “highly likely” Mariupol is surrounded by Russian forces.

Related posts:

Daughter-in-law of Lord Ashcroft granted bail after policeman shot dead in Belize Meat giant pays almost £8m ransom to hackers after cyber attack ‘Perils’ remain in Afghanistan, warns Johnson, as UK’s 20-year military campaign ends Nine dead after small plane carrying skydivers crashes after take-off in Sweden Dubai ruler authorised hacking of ex-wife’s phone during legal battle over their two children, High Court finds 100-year-old former Nazi camp guard goes on trial in Germany over 3,518 deaths ‘Do what is morally right’: WHO sets target of vaccinating 70% of world by mid-2022 Police official injured after being stabbed with knife, French interior minister says Ukraine insists controversial pipeline linking Germany and Russia should never open Ukraine general warns Putin his troops will ‘fight until the very last breath’ ‘We’re going under’: Palau president issues heartfelt plea for sinking island nation How barnacles and algae are driving up carbon emissions – and the small device that could be a ‘game-changer’