The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister has warned the US of a “painful” response if further sanctions are imposed on the country.

Both the US and EU are considering stepping up measures against Russia in response to the country’s role in Syria, particularly the heavy bombing of Aleppo.

Sanctions have already been imposed by western nations on Russia in response to the country’s annexation of Crimea.

But on Wednesday, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said: “If the US opts to further toughen sanctions in defiance of common sense and in disregard of its experience that has already been quite painful for them, then we will find measures in our toolbox that will have a painful impact, particularly in terms of America’s positioning in the world.”

Russia has long complained of US aggression and expressed concerns over perceived encirclement by US-backed Nato allies. This rhetoric has been stepped up in recent months in response to increasing tensions.

Earlier in October, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said ideological “aggressive Russiophobia” was at “the heart” of US policy towards the country.

Both Nato and Russia have conducted mass military drills close to border areas, though Russia caused further unrest by transferring nuclear capable missiles to the eastern European enclave of Kaliningrad, also in October.

In pictures: Aleppo bombing Show all 14 1 /14 In pictures: Aleppo bombing In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Smoke rises after airstrikes on the rebel-held al-Sakhour neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family runs for cover amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of Al-Qatarji in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man reacts as he stands on blood stains at a site hit by airstrikes in the rebel held area of Aleppo's al-Fardous district, Syria, April 29, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damage of the airstrikes in the rebel-held area of Aleppo on April 28 Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo The damaged the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)-backed al-Quds hospital after it was hit by airstrikes, in a rebel-held area of Syria's Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians evacuate an injured man amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following an air strike on a rebel-held of Aleppo on April 29, 2016. AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo People inspect the damage at a site hit by airstrikes, in the rebel-held area of Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A man leads a woman in tears and child out of the scene after airstrikes hit Aleppo AP In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Civil defence members search for survivors after an airstrike at a field hospital in the rebel held area of al-Sukari district of Aleppo Reuters In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian boy is comforted as he cries next to the body of a relative who died in a reported air strike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Soukour in the northern city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo A Syrian family walks amid the rubble of destroyed buildings following a reported air strike in the Bustan al-Qasr rebel-held district of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers and rescuers remove a baby from under the rubble of a destroyed building following a reported air strike on the rebel-held neighbourhood of al-Kalasa in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrians help a wounded youth following an air strike on the Fardous rebel held neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo Getty Images In pictures: Aleppo bombing Bombing in Aleppo Syrian civil defence volunteers evacuate people from a damaged building following a reported airstrike in the rebel-held neighbourhood of Tareeq al-Bab in the northern city of Aleppo

Mr Ryabkov told MPs that Russia’s moves were “strictly proportionate and adequate” and “not guided by emotions,” according to state media service RT.

However, Mr Ryabkov warned that “asymmetrical” measures could be used to up the stakes with the US and Nato if deemed necessary.

The deputy foreign minister blamed the Obama administration for its “more arrogant, forceful and focused on the attempts to impose its will on other countries”.

European leaders have refused to rule out sanctions against Moscow, as both French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the Russian campaign in Syria.

In a visit to Berlin by Russian president Vladmir Putin – the first since the 2014 annexation of Crimea – talks centred around the bombing of Aleppo.

Ms Merkel said the discussions "gave Germany the clear chance to define what constitutes a war crime. Bombardments are inhumane and a cruel experience for the people," AFP reported.

Mr Hollande went further, telling Mr Putin bluntly that "what is happening in Aleppo is a war crime, one of the first demands is that the bombardments by the regime and its [Russian] backers must end".