Russia Responds To 11th EU Sanctions Package

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Friday that, in response to another package of EU restrictions, it has expanded the number of representatives of EU institutions barred from entering Russian territory.

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The European Union's (EU) actions are "illegitimate and undermine the international legal prerogatives of the United Nations Security Council," the ministry said in a statement. It warned that Moscow will continue to give a "timely and adequate response" to any unfriendly actions by Western countries.

On June 23, EU countries adopted the eleventh package of sanctions to further "attempt to pressure Russia with unilateral restrictive measures."

In response, Russia has expanded the number of EU officials and citizens barred from entering Russian territory. The ministry said those blacklisted are linked to defense agencies and government and commercial organizations that support the Kiev government.

The eleventh round of sanctions against Russia, includes restricting the sale, supply or transfer of technologies and materials to third countries that can be used to circumvent already imposed sanctions.

The EU also ordered to freeze the assets of 71 individuals and 33 entities for their alleged involvement in the "deportation" of Ukrainian children, referring to Russia's evacuation of civilians from areas attacked by Ukrainian artillery.

The list of sanctioned companies also increased to 87, accused of military and industrial support to Russia in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.

The sanctions also include a ban on additional Russian media outlets and the blocking of ships suspected of carrying Russian cargo. In addition, new transport restrictions related to the movement of Russian ships or arriving at Russian ports were imposed. The set of items that cannot be exported to Russia was increased.