Russia’s retaliatory action in response to EU sanctions.
The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that in response to the 17th and 18th packages of anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the European Union, the list of citizens of the EU member states whose entry into Russia has been banned has been significantly expanded.
“In response to these unfriendly actions, the list of representatives of European institutions, EU member states, and several European countries participating in Brussels’ anti-Russian policies whose entry into the Russian Federation has been significantly expanded,” the ministry said in a statement on its official website.
According to the document, the restrictions include officials of security agencies, government and business organizations, as well as a group of citizens of the EU member states and some other Western countries who provide military assistance to Ukraine, are involved in the supply of dual-use equipment, and take actions against the territorial integrity of Russia or take other unfriendly actions against it.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the anti-Russian actions of the European Union will not have any impact on Moscow’s foreign policy. The statement recalled that Russia will continue to defend its national interests and support a fairer world order. It also warned that further restrictive measures by the European Union will be met with a timely and proportionate response from Russia.
EU foreign policy chief Kaia Kalas announced on Friday that the EU’s permanent representatives had agreed on the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. According to Reuters, the new restrictions will include the operation of the Nord Stream gas pipeline and a reduction in the price ceiling for Russian oil to $47.6 per barrel. 22 Russian banks have also been targeted by the sanctions.