Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to risk escalating tit-for-tat sanctions with Washington because the only measures that would hurt the United States would also endanger Russia's fragile economic recovery.
After U.S. lawmakers backed a new round of economic sanctions on Moscow, Russia last week ordered Washington to cut 755 of its 1,200 embassy and consular staffers and said it was seizing two diplomatic properties.
Though an eye-catching gesture, Russia's response does not pack the same punch as the U.S. penalties, which target Russian energy projects, make it harder for U.S. President Donald Trump to ease earlier sanctions and could further restrict lending to Russia.