# Russia downplayed the impact of fresh European Union sanctions on Russia’s economy, saying they were “illegal” and would backfire. The EU agreed its 18th package of sanctions on Russia over Moscow’s military offensive on Ukraine, targeting Russian banks and lowering a price cap on oil exports. Russia has largely defied the West’s attempts to cripple its economy with sanctions. Officials have blasted the restrictions as breaching international law and touted Moscow’s effectiveness in getting round them.
Russia downplays new EU sanctions and says it will backfire