Peskov said there are risks to the stability of energy markets due to sanctions

Western restrictions on Russian oil production threaten the stability of international energy markets. This was stated by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov on December 20.

"There will be certain risks to the stability of international energy markets. This will inevitably happen, which will hit those countries that make such decisions," he said during a briefing, answering a question regarding the tightening of restrictions on Russian oil production.

In addition, the Russian leader's spokesman added that such actions always lead to counteraction from the Russian Federation. Peskov explained that Russia will do everything to minimize the consequences of such decisions and to ensure the interests of the Russian side and its economic partners.

Plus everyone: who was hit by the new EU sanctions

And why the approval of another package speaks of Russia's successful resistance to Western pressure

Earlier in the day, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fitzo said that the republic would block possible European Union (EU) sanctions against Russian nuclear energy. He also called unacceptable sanctions that could jeopardize the nuclear program in Slovakia.

Before that, on December 11, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that the U.S. side will continue to apply measures to tighten sanctions against Russia. In addition, she noted that the restrictions against Russia would further strengthen Ukraine 's position along with military support and the allocation of a $20bn loan to the country.

On November 7, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the volume of Western anti-Russian sanctions was unprecedented from the historical point of view, but the restrictions did not deal 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.