Zakharova called the EU's 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions illegal

The fifteenth package of anti-Russian sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU) is illegal. This was stated by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova at a briefing on December 18.

"These measures are unlawful, illegal in nature. They are directed against both Russian and foreign economic operators and public figures," she said.

According to the diplomat, the imposition of anti-Russian sanctions jeopardizes global energy security. She also stressed that these actions will be analyzed, after which Russia will take retaliatory measures.

Courts and trials: what is known about the 15th package of sanctions against Russia

The EU Council adopted a new list of anti-Russian restrictions on December 16

Earlier, on December 16, the EU foreign ministers finally approved the 15th package of economic and individual sanctions against Russia. The list of restrictions includes 54 individuals and 30 organizations. Restrictions are also imposed on 52 vessels, which are subject to a ban on entry to ports and a wide range of services related to maritime transportation. In addition, the airline Utair was included in the 15th package of anti-Russian sanctions.

Before that, on November 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the volume of Western anti-Russian sanctions is unprecedented from a historical point of view, but the restrictions have not inflicted on Russia "a crushing blow, from which it will not be able to recover." The head of state emphasized that no sanctions will change the fact that Russia is actually needed by the world.

Western countries have tightened sanctions pressure on Russia in connection with the special operation to protect Donbass. The decision to launch it was announced on February 24, 2022 after the situation in the region worsened due to shelling by the Ukrainian military.