Russian Diplomats Denounce EU Sanctions as Unilateral and Illegitimate

Russian diplomats have criticized the European Union's new sanctions related to the Ukraine invasion, stating they lack U.N. legitimacy and breach international law. They argue that sanctions should only be imposed by the U.N. Security Council. The EU's 20th sanction package was adopted despite initial opposition from Slovakia and Hungary.

Early Friday, Russian diplomats condemned the European Union's new sanctions against Moscow over its Ukraine invasion, claiming they lack U.N. legitimacy and violate the rights of third countries.

According to Russian news agencies, the diplomats stated that measures are meaningless without a U.N. Security Council decision, labeling them as unilateral coercive actions against international law.

The RIA news agency reported that the statement accused the EU of economic blackmail by restricting exports to nations allied with Russia. Despite initial resistance from Slovakia and Hungary, the EU proceeded with its 20th sanctions package.