Peskov pointed to market destabilization in case of EU sanctions on Russian aluminum

The European Union's (EU) plans to impose bans on imports of Russian aluminum, reported by the media, if implemented, may lead to market destabilization. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on January 15.

"We have seen this news. It is quite possible to assume that such discussions are going on. Of course, the market in this segment is also quite fragile, and such decisions could hypothetically lead to destabilization of the global market," the Russian presidential spokesman said at a briefing.

As for the sanctions against the Russian energy sector, the continuation of which is being talked about in the US, the situation is also being thoroughly analyzed.

"We are carefully analyzing the situation, and, of course, here we are talking about taking those measures that would minimize the consequences of these illegal measures and that would best serve the interests of our country first of all and our companies," the Kremlin spokesman added.

Earlier, on January 15, Bloomberg reported that the EU may impose restrictions on exports of Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) and aluminum, as well as sanctions against dozens of Russian ships as part of new measures against Russia. It was noted that this draft measures may become part of the 16th package of sanctions of the bloc.

Prior to that, on January 10, the United States and Britain expanded sanctions against Russia. The list included Gazprom Neft and its head Alexander Dyukov, Surgutneftegaz, CEO of Rosatom Alexei Likhachev, as well as 100 Russian tankers. At the same time, Peskov, commenting on the decision, drew attention to the fact that Washington is trying to undermine the positions of Russian energy companies with the help of sanctions.

In turn, on January 6, British diplomat Ian Proud said that the economic conflict launched by Western countries against Russia has not led to any significant results.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova on December 15, 2024 called the 15th package of restrictions illegal and pointed out that it threatens global energy security.

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.