MOSCOW, (Reuters) – Russia’s largest lender Sberbank stated on Thursday that all its systems worked normally. It also said that it was ready for any development after Russian forces invaded Ukraine. Such a move could result in sanctions being imposed on the bank.

Russian forces fired missiles on several cities of Ukraine, and troops landed on the coast, on Thursday. Officials and media reported that this was done after President Vladimir Putin approved what he called an “exceptional military operation in east”.

On Tuesday, a senior U.S. official stated to reporters that Sberbank (and No. VTB 2 lender would face U.S. sanction if Moscow continues with the invasion of Ukraine. This warning came after a senior U.S. administration official said that Sberbank and No.

Sberbank declared on Thursday that they are ready to deal with any situation. They have devised scenarios that would ensure customers assets, money, and interest are safeguarded, as well as that their functions remain fully functional.

Previous statements by the bank have not been made regarding potential threats to sanctions.

Shortly after the Russian rouble plummeted to its lowest level since 2016-2016, trading was suspended at Moscow Exchange on Thursday