Russia Broadens Sanctions List in Response to New EU Measures

(MENAFN) Russia has expanded its sanctions against European officials following the latest sanctions package adopted by the European Union targeting Moscow, according to statements cited by reports from the Russian Foreign Ministry.

In remarks released on Monday, the ministry said the EU’s most recent measures “grossly violate international law.” It added that, in response, Russia has “significantly expanded the list of representatives of EU institutions, EU member states, and a number of European countries aligning themselves with Brussels’ anti-Russian policy.”

While no specific individuals or countries were named, the ministry indicated that the updated blacklist includes officials involved in approving military assistance to Ukraine, supporting sanctions against Russia, and pursuing legal actions against Russian citizens on what it described as unfounded grounds. It also extends to individuals accused of damaging Russia’s diplomatic relations with other countries, as well as certain activists and academics.

The statement further emphasized that what it called “hostile” policies from Brussels would not alter Moscow’s foreign policy direction, asserting that Russia remains committed to defending its national interests.

The escalation follows the EU’s announcement of its 20th sanctions package last week, which includes additional restrictions on Russia’s financial sector and energy exports. The measures also target what Brussels describes as a “shadow fleet” allegedly used to circumvent restrictions on Russian oil shipments.

Russia has rejected the existence of such a fleet, describing related vessel seizures by Western countries as unlawful actions.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that sanctions have negatively affected the Russian economy but stated that the country has accumulated experience in adapting to and mitigating their impact.

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