Russia rolls out response to new EU sanctions
Photo: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov (Getty Images)
Russia has figured out how to "punish" the EU for the 17th and 18th sanctions packages, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Restrictions against Moscow were imposed on May 20 and July 18.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the new EU sanctions packages "illegitimate." In response, Moscow has banned a number of European officials and representatives of EU states from entering Russia.
The Russian Foreign Ministry clarified that these are employees of law enforcement agencies, state and commercial organizations, EU citizens responsible for providing military assistance to Ukraine, as well as those who "undermine" the territorial integrity of Russia and organize a blockade of Russian ships and cargo in the Baltic Sea.
On the Russian list are individuals allegedly involved in the persecution of Moscow officials for "illegal arrests and the removal of people from Ukrainian territories."
Russia has also "punished" those who work on establishing a special tribunal, advocate for the confiscation of assets, and support anti-Russian resolutions and bills.
EU sanctions against Russia
The European Union recently approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes 22 Russian banks, as well as four companies associated with the Russian Direct Investment Fund and 26 organizations related to the Russian military-industrial complex.
EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas called the package one of the most powerful ever.
The EU has started working on the 19th package of sanctions against Russia.
