Russia warns that it will respond "harshly" after the European Union adopted the 20th sanctions package, which targets the energy sector and trade.

Russia has declared that it will react "harshly" to the 20th package of sanctions imposed by the European Union, which includes restrictions on energy, the financial sector, and trade, affecting oil and LNG exports, as well as fertilizers. The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, emphasized that these measures will destabilize energy markets and affect global food security. Russia believes that the sanctions will have a negative impact on the European Union and developing countries, promising reprisals "in accordance with its interests." The new sanctions package includes bans on maritime services related to the export of oil and petroleum products, as well as restrictions on Russian banks and financial institutions in third countries. Additionally, the EU has activated an "anti-circumvention instrument" to prevent evasion of the sanctions. These measures come in the context of a global energy crisis and a European policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas.