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Russia Says EU Sanctions Will Have Dire Consequences Amid Global Squeeze
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 24, 2026
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Russia warned that the EU’s 20th sanctions package—including hydrocarbon and fertilizer restrictions—could exacerbate global shortages, hitting developing nations’ energy affordability and food security; Moscow vowed “tough” retaliation.
Russia says new EU sanctions will hurt developing countries
Impact and Response to New EU Sanctions on Russia
MOSCOW, April 24 (Reuters) - Russia said on Friday that new European Union sanctions on its oil and gas would hurt developing countries and the EU itself, and promised to retaliate.
Details of the 20th EU Sanctions Package
The EU adopted a 20th package of sanctions against Russia over Moscow's war in Ukraine on Thursday, including further restrictions on the transportation of Russian oil and gas and sanctions against oil producers and refineries.
Global Energy Crisis and Resource Shortages
"All this is happening amid a global energy crisis and resource shortages that are being acutely felt in most regions of the world," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told reporters at her weekly press conference.
Effects on Developing Countries and Food Security
"By attempting to further destabilize energy markets, Brussels is hurting both itself and developing countries, which are no longer able to afford energy at artificially inflated prices."
She said the sanctions also threatened food security as they included restrictions on fertilisers.
Russia's Pledge to Retaliate
"We will take retaliatory measures. They will be tough, designed in accordance with our interests," Zakharova added.
(Reporting by Filipp Lebedev; Writing by Mark Trevelyan and Anastasia Teterevleva)
Key Takeaways
- •The EU’s 20th sanctions target Russian energy, shadow‑fleet vessels, and impose future maritime and fertilizer-related restrictions, underpinning concerns over global supply tightness (finance.ec.europa.eu).
- •Slovakia and Hungary lifted their opposition only after Druzhba pipeline oil flows were restored, enabling passage of the sanctions package (hydrocarbonprocessing.com).
- •Despite Russia's claims, EU sanctions do not restrict food or fertilizer exports to developing countries; the bloc continues measures like Solidarity Lanes to support global food security (consilium.europa.eu)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about Russia says EU sanctions will have dire consequences amid global squeeze
1What impact do new EU sanctions have on Russia’s energy exports?
The new EU sanctions place restrictions on Russian hydrocarbons, which Russia says will worsen the current global resource shortage.
2How might EU sanctions affect developing countries?
According to Russia, the increased energy prices from sanctions will make it harder for developing countries to afford energy resources.
3What is the potential threat to food security from EU sanctions?
Russia claims EU sanctions also restrict fertilizers, posing an additional threat to global food security.
4Which countries dropped their opposition to EU sanctions?
Slovakia and Hungary dropped their opposition to the new EU sanctions after oil flows resumed through the Druzhba pipeline.
5How is Russia planning to respond to the EU sanctions?
Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it would take 'tough' retaliatory measures against the EU in response to the sanctions.
