Russia vows ‘effective, tough’ response to new EU sanctions package

Russia’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that it will respond to the European Union’s latest sanctions package with “effective and tough measures.” Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at a press briefing that Moscow “strongly condemns any illegitimate unilateral coercive measures,” and that an increasing number of countries share and support this approach. The 27-member EU proposed its 21st package of sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, saying it seeks to further weaken Moscow’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine, which began over four years ago.

Context of sanctions

The EU has imposed successive sanctions on Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, targeting energy exports, financial institutions, and dual-use technologies. The latest package focuses on closing loopholes and targeting entities in third countries that help Russia circumvent sanctions. Russia has previously responded with counter-sanctions, including bans on European food imports and restrictions on EU companies operating in Russia.