Kremlin: Russia reserves right to respond to EU sanctions

Russia has reserved the right to respond to the European Union’s latest sanctions package, with any measures to be “measured and adequate” and guided by Moscow’s national interests, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said following the EU’s adoption of its 19th sanctions package against Russia.

Zakharova stated that Moscow viewed the EU’s restrictive measures as "hostile and counterproductive," but emphasised that Russia would respond in a way that was deliberate and in line with its long-term priorities, Caliber.Az reports per Russian media. 

Moreover, the spokesperson claimed that the sanctions imposed by Brussels ultimately harm the European Union more than Russia. She argued that the EU’s capacity to expand restrictive measures was “largely exhausted,” as nearly all available tools to damage the Russian economy and defence capabilities had already been used.

Zakharova added that the EU’s efforts to inflict what it has called a “strategic defeat” on Russia had so far proven unsuccessful.

Earlier, on October 23, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas announced on X that the bloc had adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures target the Russian oil trade, financial institutions, and entities in countries such as India and China, as well as crypto exchanges helping Moscow bypass previous restrictions.

“The EU is curbing Russian diplomats’ movements to counter the attempts of destabilisation,” Kallas posted. “It is increasingly harder for Putin to fund this war.”

The 19th package was presented by the European Commission on September 19.

By Sabina Mammadli