Peskov: Sanctions are not working, yet the EU is still buying our raw materials for billions

The Kremlin claims that the EU's plan to end imports of Russian oil and gas more quickly will have no impact on Moscow. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said sanctions could not change Russia's stance, which he said was defending its national interests.

The statements came a day after EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced, following a phone call with US President Donald Trump, that the EU wanted to accelerate its phase-out of Russian fossil fuels.

Peskov pointed out that Russia had been withstanding pressure from the West for three years, even though the Russian economy was facing high inflation and a growing budget deficit, caused primarily by military spending.

At the same time, he pointed out that despite sanctions, the EU continues to purchase Russian energy on a large scale, including liquefied natural gas and enriched uranium. Imports of oil and natural gas have declined significantly, but have not been completely halted.

(reuters, est)