Robert Amsterdam

The diplomat, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, said Russia could afford to sever relations with a country that spurned it. "We're ready for any scenario," the diplomat said.

The comments underline growing Kremlin anger at Sen. McCain's criticism of Russia, a country the presumptive Republican presidential candidate has said should be ejected from the G-8 because of democratic backsliding at home and bullying abroad. The Kremlin says that such criticism is unfounded and that the U.S. is no longer in a position to lecture anyway. (...)

The senior diplomat said the Kremlin wanted the U.S. electorate to "bear responsibility for its choice" in November. He said there was a risk of relations breaking down if matters were mishandled. "We could reach a moment," he warned, "when we could afford to stop discussing the issues that the Americans are interested in."