Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov pointed out that “the policy of sanctions pursued by the West has forced Russia to work on mobilizing its internal capabilities, and these sanctions will not force Moscow to change its political approach”, explaining that “it is necessary to continue purposeful work to mobilize our internal opportunities to achieve growth and solve problems in the industrial sector, which are associated with the difficulties of making payments and foreign trade”.

Commenting on the European Union’s refusal to issue visas to Russian citizens, she pointed out that “Moscow does not want to tear down the Iron Curtain, but the West does, adding that Russia will find ways to solve such problems.”

Notably, on February 24, Russia launched a special military operation in Ukraine, with Russian President Vladimir Putin emphasizing that the operation was aimed at “protecting people who have been subjected to genocide by the Kyiv regime for eight years.” The Russian Defense Ministry has repeatedly emphasized that the goal of the operation is the demilitarization of Ukraine and the liberation of the entire Donbass.