MOSCOW: Russia has criticised the European Union’s latest sanctions package, saying the new restrictions would deepen economic challenges within Europe while prompting a response from Moscow.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Russian Permanent Mission to the European Union reacted to the EU’s 21st sanctions package, arguing that the bloc’s continued sanctions policy would have greater economic consequences for member states without achieving its stated objectives.
The mission said negotiations leading to the latest package reflected growing differences among EU countries over tightening sanctions, claiming that the economic impact of previous measures had made some member states more cautious about additional restrictions.
According to the statement, the European Union continues to pursue sanctions despite rising economic pressures, including higher energy costs and broader geopolitical uncertainty.
The comments came after EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas indicated that additional measures against Russia could be considered in the future.
Russia Criticises EU Sanctions Policy
The Russian mission described the sanctions as unilateral coercive measures and argued they had failed to produce the intended results.
It also claimed that Europe continued to face economic challenges linked to reduced access to Russian energy supplies, increased spending related to support for Ukraine and continued volatility in global energy markets.
The statement referred to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, saying instability in the region had added further uncertainty to international energy markets.
The mission also cited an assessment by the European Central Bank, saying geopolitical tensions and energy-related risks remained significant sources of uncertainty for the European economy.
Moscow Signals Countermeasures
Russia said it would respond to what it described as hostile measures adopted by the European Union.
The statement did not specify what form those countermeasures would take but said Moscow would deliver what it called an effective response to the latest sanctions.
The European Union has expanded sanctions against Russia in multiple rounds since the start of the war in Ukraine, targeting sectors including finance, energy, transport, defence and trade.
Russia has consistently opposed the sanctions, arguing they are unlawful and harmful to both European economies and global markets.
Also Read: Russia Warns Middle East Escalation Could Threaten Global Energy and Food Security
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