Finance
Russian Diplomats Denounce New EU Sanctions
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on April 23, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 23, 2026
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Quick Summary
Russian diplomats condemned the EU’s 20th sanctions package imposed on April 23, arguing it lacks legitimacy without a U.N. Security Council mandate and constitutes extraterritorial coercion.
Russian Diplomats Slam EU’s 20th Sanctions Package Over Ukraine Invasion
Russian Response to Latest EU Sanctions
Diplomats Condemn Legitimacy of Sanctions
April 24 (Reuters) - Russian diplomats early on Friday denounced the latest European Union sanctions imposed on Moscow in connection with its invasion of Ukraine, saying the new measures lacked U.N. legitimacy and infringed the rights of third countries.
Russian news agencies quoted a statement by diplomats at Russia's mission to the European Union as saying the measures were meaningless without a decision from the U.N. Security Council.
Reference to U.N. Security Council Authority
"We would like to remind you that only sanctions imposed by the decision of the U.N. Security Council are legitimate," state news agency TASS quoted the statement as saying.
"All others are unilateral coercive measures, and essentially — arbitrariness and aggression that contradict international law and the U.N. Charter."
Accusations of Economic Blackmail
RIA news agency said the statement accused the EU of restricting exports of specific goods to a number of countries cooperating with Russia and said this was "resorting to economic blackmail and extraterritorial application of sanctions".
Details of the EU’s 20th Sanctions Package
Adoption and Context of the Sanctions
The EU adopted its 20th package of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine after Slovakia and Hungary dropped their opposition to the move following the resumption of flows through the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Timing and Motivation Behind the Package
The EU had initially aimed to adopt the package to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
(Reporting by Reuters)
Key Takeaways
- •Russia claims only U.N. Security Council sanctions are legitimate; EU’s measures are “unilateral coercive measures” infringing rights of third countries.
- •The 20th EU sanctions package spans energy, finance, trade, cyber, military‑industrial, crypto and media measures, and was adopted after Slovakia and Hungary lifted objections tied to Druzhba pipeline flows.
- •The sanctions include robust anti‑circumvention tools targeting Russia’s shadow‑fleet, banks (including third‑country ones), export bans, and further protect EU operators legally.
Frequently Asked Questions about Russian diplomats denounce new EU sanctions
1Why did Russian diplomats denounce the EU's new sanctions?
Russian diplomats said the sanctions lack UN legitimacy and infringe on the rights of third countries.
2What was the basis for Russia's argument against the EU sanctions?
They argue that only sanctions imposed by the UN Security Council are legitimate.
3What is included in the EU's latest sanctions package?
The EU's 20th sanctions package targets Russia and some countries cooperating with Moscow, including export restrictions.
4How did the EU manage to pass the 20th sanctions package?
Slovakia and Hungary dropped their opposition after the Druzhba oil pipeline flows resumed.
5What actions did Russia accuse the EU of taking?
Russia accused the EU of economic blackmail and extraterritorial application of sanctions.