Russian is willing to sever its ties with the European Union if the trading bloc will move ahead with its plans to impose sanctions. An interview published on Russia’s foreign ministry website Friday hinted at the country’s intention of immediate retaliation.

Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergey Lavrov said that the country is ready for such an action. He said that Russia will do whatever it takes to protect its economy.

“We don’t want to isolate ourselves from global life, but we have to be ready for that. If you want peace then prepare for war,” Lavrov said.

Russia’s statement comes after the EU announced plans of imposing punitive measures against the country for its treatment of political opposition leader Alexei Navalny. It also comes just a week after EU’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, was openly “humiliated” during his visit to Russia.

During his trip, Russian officials openly criticized the EU for not being a “reliable partner” and for continually interfering with its internal affairs. This was then followed by a move by Russia to boot three EU diplomats from the country over their participation in protests against Navalny’s arrest.

“An aggressively-staged press conference and the expulsion of three EU diplomats during my visit indicate that the Russian authorities did not want to seize this opportunity to have a more constructive dialogue with the EU,” Borrell said.

As a result of Russia’s actions, several EU leaders have called on the trading bloc to impose sanctions to force the Russian government to reverse course. Such sanctions will of course require the approval of all EU member governments.