Former President Medvedev: Russia Is Able To Survive New Sanctions By The European Union

JAKARTA - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev predicts Russia's economy will be able to survive the European Union's latest sanctions package and says Moscow will intensify its attacks on Ukraine.

Medvedev, who now serves as Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, made his remarks after the European Union approved an 18th sanction package against Russia over its war in Ukraine, including steps aimed at delivering further blows to the Russian oil and energy industry.

In an upload on its official Telegram channel, Medvedev said the new sanctions would not change Russia's attitude towards the conflict much, as the previous round of sanctions failed to have an impact.

Medvedev, who has emerged as one of the Kremlin's hardline figures, said Russia plans to intensify its attacks on Ukraine.

"Attacks on targets in areas called Ukraine, including Kyiv, will be carried out with increasing strength," Medvedev said.

US President Donald Trump previously announced a more assertive stance on Russia, promising a new wave of missiles and other weapons, including the Patriot missile defense system capable of destroying Russian ballistic missiles.

Trump also gave Russia 50 days to register for a ceasefire or face new sanctions.

Russia previously responded to the European Union's latest sanctions by emphasizing certain immunity to Western sanctions as well as adapting to the sanctions.

The EU sanctions package aims to lower Russia's crude oil purchase price by G7 countries to $47.6 per barrel, diplomats told Reuters.

When asked about the new steps of the European Union, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov considered it a unilateral and illegal act.

Peskov said the measures were in line with what he called "consistent anti-Russian attitude" in Europe.

"But at the same time, of course, we have obtained certain immunity from sanctions, we have adapted to life under sanctions," Peskov told reporters.

"Of course, we have to analyze this new sanctions package to minimize its consequences. However, in addition, each new sanctions package has a negative impact on countries that support it. This is a double-edged weapon," Peskov continued.

The Russian government and trade sources are reducing the impact of these new restrictions, doubtful the restrictions would significantly disrupt Russia's oil trade.