The State Duma called the next package of sanctions against Russia a manifestation of the EU's agony

The European Union's (EU) plans to impose further anti-Russian sanctions in the current political environment are a manifestation of the agony of European regimes. This was stated by Chairman of the State Duma Committee on Economic Policy Maxim Topilin to Izvestia on February 19.

Earlier in the day it became known that EU representatives agreed on the 16th package of anti-Russian sanctions, which includes a ban on imports of primary aluminum, exports of some chemicals and maintenance of oil and gas refineries. Sales of game consoles, joysticks and flight simulators will also be restricted. The package is expected to be passed on February 24.

"In the conditions of the Russia-US dialog that has begun [the possible introduction of sanctions] once again confirms the continuing agony of European regimes and their lack of desire to find a solution to the existing problems," Topilin said.

The deputy reminded that any sanctions are a violation of international trade rules.

"Practice shows that usually our European opponents invent sanctions, which either slow down the development of their economies, or hit their own business structures, makes their products more expensive. I think it will be the same this time. Our companies will find other markets, but it will take time," he emphasized.

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Earlier in the day, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Economic Relations of Hungary Peter Szijjarto said that the new package of anti-Russian sanctions implies exceptions for the country. Thus, Hungary will be able to use Russian oil and equipment for the Druzhba oil pipeline.

Also on 19 February, the deputy chairman of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, Aleksey Chepa, said that the approval of the 16th package of sanctions against Russia indicates the EU's desire to hinder the process of peaceful settlement of the situation in Ukraine. Talks between the Russian and US delegations took place in Riyadh on February 18.

The foreign ministries of the G7 countries adopted a communiqué on the topic of imposing new sanctions against Russia on February 15. Restrictions were linked to the negotiations on the settlement of the Ukrainian conflict. The foreign ministers said in the document that Russia should allegedly guarantee Ukraine 's long-term security. In his turn, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on 12 February that the EU was preparing new restrictions amid the difficult situation in its own economy.