MOSCOW, Feb 27, 2023 (BSS/AFP) - Moscow on Monday hit out at the European
Union and the United States after they adopted their latest packages of
sanctions against Russia for its military intervention in Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters the European Union's latest
round of sanctions, which was adopted last week, was "absurd".

The EU's penalties, which target 121 individuals and entities, are the 10th
round of sanctions aimed at undercutting Russia's finances and military
supplies for the conflict.

Peskov said Western countries were struggling to find more people and
entities to punish.

"That explains the illogical listing of individuals and entities," Peskov
said.

"We are talking about such accomplished people and for them, inclusion in
the lists will not cause any discomfort," he added.

The latest EU sanctions target dozens of Russian businesses and state
agencies including three Russian banks.

Being on the list means an asset freeze in the EU and a visa ban.

Separately, the Russian foreign ministry blasted the latest US round of
sanctions -- also adopted last week -- as "futile and mindless" attempts "aimed
at undermining our industrial and financial potential, at shutting Russia off
from international economic relations."

The new US penalties, which are targeting sectors including banks, mining,
and the defence industry, will hit more than 200 individuals and entities,
including both Russian and third-country actors.

"We are preparing responses by creatively using our experience," Moscow
said.

"Russian counter-sanctions will continue to be built on the principle of
strict reciprocity."