Russian Ambassador reported on the difficulties of work of Vienna IGOs due to sanctions

Illegitimate anti-Russian sanctions measures of the European Union (EU) and the United States are creating difficulties in the work of a number of Vienna-based international organizations (IGOs). Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, told Izvestia on February 5.

"Russia and our associates regularly make joint statements condemning the illegitimate sanctions measures of the EU and the US, which, among other things, create difficulties in the work of a number of Vienna-based international organizations," Ulyanov said.

At the same time, the conditions and prospects for lifting sanctions against Russia are not discussed in Vienna, he emphasized.

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Before that, on February 2, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the British government is ready to work with the EU countries on the introduction of new sanctions against Russia. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in turn, called London's plans to strengthen sanctions a reflection of the policy of imposing confrontation.

On January 27, head of EU diplomacy Kaja Kallas officially confirmed the extension of anti-Russian sanctions for six months.

Earlier, on January 10, the UK imposed sanctions on Gazpromneft and Surgutneftegaz. On the same day, the US authorities also extended sanctions against a number of Russian corporations and their executives. The Russian Embassy in London said the next day that the new UK sanctions against Russian companies would be a blow by the country's authorities to the welfare of British citizens.

Western countries increased sanctions pressure on Russia after the start of the special operation to protect civilians in Donbass, which was announced on February 24, 2022.