Russia's deputy foreign minister Aleksandr Grushko said trade with the EU could fall to zero because of recent sanctions.

Following the 18th sanctions package adopted by the EU, Russian deputy minister Aleksandr Gushko has predicted a drastic fall in trade with the European Union, from 60 billion dollars last year to the possibility of zero. Grușko described current relations with the West as a "hybrid war" and emphasized that Russia will take measures to protect its interests. Sanctions include lowering the price ceiling on Russian oil and bans on financial transactions, thus extending the pressure on the Russian economy.