DISINFO: Anti-Russian sanctions are illegal pressure
SUMMARY
Anti-Russian sanctions are illegal pressure that undermines the foundations of the world order. Russia will respond to Western pressure harshly, but not to its own detriment.
RESPONSE
Recurrent pro-Kremlin disinformation narrative about what they call a Western aggressive policy of sanctions, framing them as unjustified illegal pressure.
Sanctions are a key tool of EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
The EU sanctions are legitimate restrictions imposed in accordance with international and European law as a response to violations of international legalities, such as Russia’s actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The EU established the sanctions regime under its laws, specifically Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014, "concerning restrictive measures in view of Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine."
The EU has the right to impose economic sanctions within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter. Crucially, any such measures must strictly conform to European and international law. Other international actors have the right to impose them under international law as well under certain conditions.
Through restrictive measures, the EU intervenes where appropriate to respond to emerging or current crises. EU sanctions are carefully targeted and designed to be proportionate to the objectives they seek to achieve. Moscow has falsely claimed that the EU sanctions are illegal ever since their imposition in 2014, following Russia's invasion, annexation, and ongoing occupation of Crimea.
Read here about the EU and the US sanctions explained.
Read more about the EU response and support for Ukraine. See our guide to deciphering pro-Kremlin disinformation around Putin's war.