Russia Responds to EU Sanctions by Imposing New Restrictions on European Officials and Institutions
In response to the latest sanctions packages enacted by the European Union, Russia has announced a series of measures targeting European officials and institutions. On July 22, the Russian Foreign Ministry officially declared that Moscow was expanding its sanctions list in retaliation for the EU's recent restrictive measures, which it considers illegitimate and unfriendly steps. The new measures include bans on entry for hundreds of representatives from European security, governmental, and commercial agencies, as well as politicians from EU member countries and other Western nations. The list covers various categories, such as individuals involved in military assistance to Kyiv, those undermining Russia's territorial integrity, or participating in the blockade of Russian ships in the Baltic Sea. It also targets officials responsible for political persecutions of Russian officials, organizers of international tribunals against Moscow leadership, and those involved in confiscating Russian assets for Ukraine's benefit. Notably, European parliamentarians supporting anti-Russian resolutions and laws have also been included. These sanctions are a direct reaction to the EU’s recent package, which includes measures against 26 companies involved in circumventing sanctions, and 105 vessels linked to shadow fleets supporting Russia’s military efforts. Additionally, restrictions now extend to entities involved in destabilizing Russia politically and economically, reflecting Moscow’s readiness to counter external pressure through diplomatic and economic means. Overall, these measures illustrate Russia’s firm stance in its ongoing confrontation with Western sanctions, signaling its determination to respond firmly to external political and economic pressures.