Russia may freeze the export of RD-180 rocket engines, as well as components for high-tech industries to the United States in retaliation for unfriendly policies, the first deputy chairman of the State Duma’s economic policy and industry committee, Vladimir Gutenev, has suggested.

"Our further steps will depend on how our opponents will go about the business of their foreign policy towards Russia. I cannot rule out that if the unfriendly policies continue, the delivery of RD-180 rocket engines and certain components that the United States uses in high-tech industries may be paused for a while," Gutenev told TASS about the Russian leadership’s decision to freeze agreements with the United States on the disposal of weapons grade plutonium and cooperation in the nuclear sphere.

Gutenev described as an "absolutely justified measure" the suspension of the "plutonium deal" and the joint research programs in nuclear power.

"We were acting in the capacity of intellectual donors… But the outspokenly unfriendly policy has brought about a situation in which such joint research is fraught with potential harm to our national security," he said.