Russia has strongly condemned the European Union’s newly approved 19th sanctions package, calling it illegal and self-destructive, warning that Moscow will soon respond with effective and tough counter-measures as tensions between Russia and the EU escalate further.
Russia Slams EU’s 19th Sanctions Package
Russia has sharply condemned the European Union’s newly adopted 19th package of sanctions, calling it an illegal and self-destructive move that further isolates Europe rather than weakening Moscow. The response came from Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova after the EU Council approved the latest restrictions on October 23.
The new sanctions include a ban on the supply of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) to the EU until 2026, punitive measures against major Russian energy companies such as Rosneft and Gazpromneft, additional action targeting vessels labeled as part of a so-called “Russian shadow fleet,” financial restrictions on selected Russian and foreign banks, and another round of export bans affecting various categories of goods. The EU has also expanded individual listings, targeting more companies and persons under different justifications.
A notable new provision is a notification requirement for the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen area — even outside their country of accreditation — triggering criticism from Moscow as an infringement on diplomatic norms.
Zakharova accused Brussels of having to “scrape real low in the barrel” to assemble this package. She argued that even the EU itself does not appear fully confident in the results, pointing to remarks by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, who admitted that work on the 20th sanctions package had already begun before the 19th was even adopted.
According to Moscow, the EU is now on an “increasingly self-destructive” course. Russia claims the repercussions will hit European economies and societies harder than Russia’s. It also warned that Europe’s attempt to curb sanction circumvention is isolating it globally, as this latest package imposes measures under what Russia calls “contrived pretexts” on companies from China, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, the UAE, India, Thailand and even North Korea. Moscow accuses Brussels of effectively blackmailing third countries and attempting to control global trade.
Zakharova further highlighted a controversial provision in the package: a ban on European operators providing tourism-related services in Russia. She claimed the move is not primarily about cutting Russia’s tourism revenue, but about preventing EU citizens — whom she described as being exposed daily to anti-Russia propaganda — from seeing the reality of Russia firsthand. She warned that the EU is now “moving towards restricting the freedom of movement of its own citizens,” and questioned whether future travel outside the EU will eventually require permits.
Russia reiterated its longstanding position that it rejects all unilateral coercive measures as illegitimate, saying a growing number of countries around the world now share this view. Moscow has promised that “effective and tough” counter-measures will soon follow in response to this 19th sanctions package.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on official statements and publicly available geopolitical developments. It is intended solely for informational and news reporting purposes and does not promote or support any political ideology, government, or international conflict.