Kremlin warns EU of economic backlash over new sanctions

Moscow: The Kremlin has warned that tougher European sanctions on Russia will backfire on the EU itself, claiming that Moscow has built strong resistance to what it calls “illegal” measures.

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Western nations imposed sweeping sanctions aimed at pressuring President Vladimir Putin to halt the war. However, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Russia’s economy had not only stabilized but grown stronger since then.

“The more serious the sanctions, the more painful the recoil will be for Europe,” Peskov told Russian state TV. “This is a double-edged sword,” he added, emphasizing that logic and meaningful dialogue—not pressure—would influence Russia’s decisions.

The European Commission earlier this month proposed a new round of sanctions, targeting Russian energy, banks, and its defense industry. Meanwhile, the United States has held back from tightening its own restrictions, despite EU efforts.

President Putin also echoed the sentiment on Friday, pointing out that Russia’s economy grew by 4.3% in 2024, compared to just 0.9% growth in the eurozone. He said any new EU sanctions would hurt European economies more than Russia’s.

While acknowledging the likelihood of more sanctions, the Kremlin asserted that Russia has adapted its systems and supply chains, making its economy increasingly resilient. Peskov reaffirmed that sanctions alone would not bring Moscow to the negotiating table.