Spokesperson Zakharova: 'Sanctions against Russia are the EU's way of destroying itself'

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova. Photo: TASS

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on September 5 that the European Union's (EU) expansion of sanctions against Russia was a way to self-destruct Brussels.

"Things are going too far now. In fact, the European Union is destroying itself, which is already facing many difficulties in the context of Brexit," Ms. Zakharova said.

By extending sanctions against Russia, the EU is not only under pressure from Washington, but also increasing pressure on energy cooperation with Moscow. "All of this is counterproductive for the EU," Ms. Zakharova emphasized.

The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman noted that Russia's position on these sanctions has not changed: the Russian side considers them illegal.

"However, the decision lies with the EU. I think they themselves must answer the question, why they need to do so, and how long it will take. We will not interfere further," Ms. Zakharova declared.

The Russian diplomat’s statements are seen as a response to the EU. Earlier, on September 4, the permanent representatives of the 28 EU member states agreed to extend the restrictions on Russian individuals and organizations for another 6 months. The EU Council will officially ratify this decision next week.

Relations between Russia and Western countries deteriorated sharply after the crisis in Ukraine in 2014 and Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Moscow has repeatedly stressed that the annexation was carried out through a referendum, in accordance with the international legal framework.

However, the EU has imposed a number of sanctions on Russia and Moscow has also retaliated in kind.