Russia Disappointed With EU Decision To Impose Sanctions

Russia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday said it is disappointing that the European Union (EU) foreign ministers had decided to prepare new sanctions against Russian citizens "under a far-fetched pretext."

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It also said that it is "unacceptable" to make "unlawful and absurd" calls for the release of a Russian citizen convicted of economic crimes by a Russian court in accordance with Russian law.

"In international practice, this is called interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign state," the Foreign Affairs Ministry pointed out.

"It is only regrettable that such illegitimate instruments -- ultimatums, pressure, and sanctions -- are rooted in the EU's foreign policy arsenal," it added.

The sanctioned Russian citizens will be banned from entering EU territory and their assets in the EU will be frozen.

Previously, Josep Borrell, the EU's high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, said that the EU foreign affairs ministers had agreed to impose restrictive measures against those responsible for the "arrest, sentencing and persecution" of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

On Feb. 20, a Moscow court found Navalny guilty of defaming World War II veteran Ignat Artyomenko, whom the Russian opposition figure called a "traitor" and "shame of the country". He was ordered to pay a fine of US$11,480.

"Navalny does not admit his guilt in the case. His lawyers claim the 'groundless' and 'politically motivated' charges are aimed at stopping his anti-corruption investigations and preventing him from participating in the elections," RT reported.