NEW YORK, January 17. /TASS/. Proposed new US sanctions, including against Russian leaders, could sever all relations between the two countries, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told CNN on Sunday.

“Of course, that is beyond our understanding,” Peskov said in an interview, referring to some of the latest US proposals calling for sanctions against Russian leaders.

“Potentially, these kinds of sanctions can lead to the severance of any relationship between our two countries,” which will benefit neither Moscow nor Washington, he said. “That would be a big mistake.”

The Kremlin spokesman said Russia is not afraid of sanctions.

“To some extent, we are trying to take advantage of this in terms of developing our national economy, our national production,” he said. “We are big enough and self-sufficient enough to be vulnerable to these sanctions.”

Peskov said sanctions have never been successful in changing countries’ course.

“Do you remember an example of a situation where sanctions helped you solve a problem? Where sanctions were really effective in inducing a country to take certain measures?” he said. “It never happened.”

On Wednesday, a group of Democratic lawmakers led by Sen. Bob Menendez introduced a bill to the US Senate on restrictions against Russia if tensions around Ukraine escalate. Titled Law on Defense of Ukraine’s Sovereignty of 2022, it involves, among other things, sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Prime Minister, the heads of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Defense, the head of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and other members of the military leadership. In addition, restrictive measures could affect the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.

To enter into force, the bill must be approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the US President. Emily Horn, spokeswoman for the White House National Security Council, said earlier that the US administration supports the bill.