Russia's permanent mission to the EU calls new anti-Russian sanctions illegitimate

The permanent mission emphasized that the imposition of sanctions has become a favorite instrument of the EU's foreign policy influence.

“It is obvious to everyone that the goal pursued by the European Union is to put pressure on sovereign states, and the means to achieve it are illegitimate,” RIA Novosti commented.

In addition, the Russian permanent mission noted that the restrictions introduced are contrary to the basic principles of the WTO.

Earlier, the European Union expanded the sanctions list.

The European Union also imposed sanctions against the political parties United Russia, the Liberal Democratic Party, the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, the SRZP and the New People.

In total, 174 people and organizations fell under the new sanctions.