Western sanctions against Russia accelerate its convergence with the countries of Asia, Russia's Deputy PM Igor Shuvalov said.

Russia will strengthen ties with China, Vietnam Indonesia, and all the states willing to interact amid sanctions imposed by the western states. 

He said the turn to the East will be very quick, RIA Novosti reported. 

“If you take a separate topic, turn towards the East or in the direction of the development of Asian markets, then, of course, sanctions contribute significantly,” Shuvalov added.