Relations between Russia and the West have come under renewed pressure since the arrest and jailing off Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny sparked talk of possible new sanctions.

Moscow has accused the West of hysteria over the case.

Speaking in an interview that was released on Friday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was asked directly by a reporter if the Kremlin was willing to separate from the EU.

We proceed from the fact that we're ready for that in the event that we again see sanctions imposed in some sectors that create risks for our economy, including in the most sensitive spheres.

Yes way don't wanna isolate ourselves from global life.

We have to be ready for that.

If you want peace thin, prepare for war.

Another boots.

So got the Olympic coach music that they're screaming.

Pressure on Russia has intensified since last week, when German, Polish and Swedish diplomats were expelled without the use knowledge.

As for Navalny, he returned to court on Friday amid tight security for a slander trial charges he calls politically motivated.

He criticized the way the judge was handling the case, saying quote, I'm very disappointed and I want to point out your behavior once again.

Yes in the Valley went on to question the judges knowledge off the criminal code and accused him of repeating it.

Quote like a parrot.

Slander charges are punishable by up to two years in jail.

Although Navalny's lawyer disputes that a custodial sentence can even be handed down because off a change in the law, it remains unclear whether the judge in the case agrees with that analysis.