News Desk
MOSCOW/BRUSSELS: Russia has strongly condemned the European Union’s adoption of its 21st package of sanctions, describing the measures as “illegitimate unilateral coercive measures” that would ultimately harm EU member states more than Russia.
In a statement issued by the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union, Moscow said the lengthy negotiations leading to the sanctions package reflected growing divisions within the EU and increasing concern over the economic consequences of the bloc’s sanctions policy. The statement accused the European Commission of ignoring the economic costs of escalating confrontation with Russia.
Russia argued that the new restrictions would worsen the EU’s social and economic challenges, citing rising energy costs, reduced Russian energy supplies, and continued financial support for Ukraine. It also referred to the European Central Bank’s assessment that geopolitical tensions and energy market instability remain major risks to the European economy.
The Russian Mission maintained that EU sanctions had failed to achieve their objectives and pledged that Moscow would respond with appropriate countermeasures to protect its national interests. The EU has said the sanctions are intended to increase pressure on Russia over its actions in Ukraine.
