The spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, announced that the West provides extensive support to non-systemic Russian opposition while simultaneously ignoring its internal political issues.
Zakharova stated during an interview with "Govorit Moskva" radio on Thursday: "Unfortunately, many EU countries seem not to adhere to principles, which applies to many issues, including relations with Russia and their inability to defend their principles due to pressure from the United States. This also pertains to human rights issues, as a whole arsenal of arguments and opportunities has been published to support it politically and in the media." She added: "If individuals (Russians) or groups are supported or funded from abroad, and they engage in politics on behalf of foreign states, opposing national interests in favor of those foreign interests, how can they be considered democratic forces? There is no need to hide behind this high rank. Their name is completely different. They are agents of influence, working to support the interests of foreign states on our territory."
On February 22, the EU foreign ministers made a political decision to expand personal sanctions against Russia, which will affect those involved in the detention of Navalny. The sanctions will be adopted for the first time under the EU's new global sanctions system for serious human rights violations, which was adopted in December 2020 and has not yet been applied. The EU has repeatedly condemned Navalny's detention and the reduction of his sentence, calling for his immediate release.
