Russia on Monday vowed to deliver a "painful" response to fresh US sanctions on seven top officials and 17 Kremlin-linked firms that are meant to punish President Vladimir Putin’s stance on Ukraine.

Russia on Monday vowed to deliver a "painful" response to fresh US sanctions on seven top officials and 17 Kremlin-linked firms that are meant to punish President Vladimir Putin's stance on Ukraine.

"We will, of course, respond," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov told the Interfax news agency. "We are certain that this response will have a painful effect on Washington."

The United States and Europe Monday whacked Russia with fresh sanctions for failing to stop soaring tensions in Ukraine.