WORLD
Russia ramps up reciprocal measures, bars more top EU officials over sanctions
![Russia ramps up reciprocal measures, bars more top EU officials over sanctions](/files/2022/1/1200x630/1648816602486947045_1200x630.jpg)
Baku, April 1, AZERTAC
Russia on Thursday expanded its reciprocal measures against the European Union and its member states, barring more government officials, lawmakers and public and media figures from the country, according to Anadolu Agency.
The decision has been taken in “response to the unilateral sanctions of the European Union” and “on the basis of reciprocity, which is fundamental for international law,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“The restrictions apply to the top leadership of the EU, a number of European commissioners and heads of EU military bodies, as well as the overwhelming majority of members of the European Parliament that have advanced anti-Russian policies,” read the statement.
High-level officials including government and parliament members of some EU states and public and media figures have also been placed on the “reciprocal Russian blacklist,” the ministry said.
It accused the individuals of being “personally responsible for promoting illegal anti-Russian sanctions, inflaming Russophobic sentiments and infringing on the rights and freedoms of Russian-speakers.”
“The EU policy of sanctions against Russia oversteps all limits,” the ministry said, warning that the bloc’s actions have pushed ties with Moscow “into a deadlock” and are “jeopardizing the well-being and security of its own citizens, as well as the stability of the global financial and economic system.”
“Any further unfriendly action by the EU and its member states will inevitably be met with a forceful response,” the statement asserted.