Russian Deputy FM Pankin: EU Has Run Out of Leverage, Sanctions to Last

According to TASS, Pankin said it is becoming increasingly difficult for EU members to agree on sectoral restrictions. He cited as evidence that the measures of 12 October were not officially labelled a 22nd sanctions package. In his assessment, the EU Council has only managed to expand its blacklists, which he called a sign of structural weakness. He added that it is unclear when and how a full 22nd package will be agreed. TASS also quotes him as saying sanctions are not working and harm EU economies more.

Vedomosti, reporting on the same interview, says the EU listed about 1,600 individuals and entities from Russia on 12 October, including firms tied to ballistic missile production, the defence industry, shipbuilding and metallurgy. It recalls that the 21st package was approved on 23 July and that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on 16 October that work on a 22nd package continues.

Lenta.ru reports that Pankin said there are no serious grounds for lifting sanctions for now. Moscow will, he said, structure its work with foreign trade partners so they are not affected by Western restrictions. Vedomosti and Lenta.ru add that the European Commission set up its first permanent sanctions office on 6 November, covering sanctions against Russia among others.