News Mania Desk/ Agnibeena Ghosh/28th June 2024
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has issued a fiery response to the European Union and the United States following their approval of new sanctions, marking the first time the gas sector has been openly targeted. In a defiant stance, Medvedev dismissed the economic measures, asserting that Russia would withstand this latest blow.
The EU’s decision on Monday included expanding its sanction list to encompass 69 individuals and 47 entities deemed responsible for actions undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Specifically, Brussels imposed restrictions on “reloading services of Russia LNG (liquefied natural gas) in EU territory” and halted investments in new or existing LNG projects. Additionally, Sweden and Finland were granted authority to terminate certain Russian LNG contracts.
Expressing his vehement opposition on Telegram, Medvedev condemned the sanctions as a futile attempt orchestrated by the US and predicted repercussions for the EU. He stated, “Life has proven time and again that the so-called ‘sanctions from hell’ adopted by the EU on order from the US, pave the way to the Inferno solely for their own makers.” He further asserted that these measures, constituting the 14th package of sanctions, would not achieve their intended goals but instead escalate hostilities.
Medvedev emphasized Russia’s resilience in the face of sanctions, noting, “We will survive this. But we won’t just forgive and forget, we’ve got a good memory.” He underscored the impact on ordinary Russians and businesses while indicating Russia’s intent to respond to what he described as an assault on its interests. “We will thoroughly note down this very case of assault on our interests, and in a very short time will present our demands—and not only economic—to the hostile countries,” Medvedev added ominously, concluding, “There will be hell to pay.”
The sanctions are the latest in a series targeting Russia since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, with intensified measures following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These actions reflect ongoing efforts by Kyiv and its allies to curtail Moscow’s financial capabilities and influence.
As Russia braces for the economic repercussions of these sanctions, Medvedev’s defiant rhetoric underscores the escalating tensions between Russia and the West, highlighting the potential for further retaliatory actions and diplomatic strife in the coming months.
