Russia is accelerating its actions with additional sanctions. On April 27, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced countermeasures against the EU's 20th round of sanctions. It is a retaliatory move by significantly expanding the list of travel ban targets.

In response to the new sanctions approved by the EU on the 23rd, Russia has taken a quite assertive stance. The expanded list includes representatives of EU institutions and member states, as well as officials from European countries promoting anti-Russia policies. Not only politicians but also a wide range of individuals such as civic activists, scholars, and parliament members have been added to the sanctions list.

According to Russia's claims, the individuals on the list are involved in decisions to support military aid to Ukraine, participating in activities that undermine Russia's territorial integrity, promoting anti-Russia sanctions, and other "charges." Furthermore, Russia alleges that they are involved in obstructing maritime navigation, persecuting Russian officials, and promoting the confiscation of Russian assets.

As the retaliatory battle continues in the form of additional sanctions, Russia has chosen a strategy of responding by expanding the list. This includes targeting European politicians and intellectuals who voted for anti-Russia resolutions. This move can be seen as an indicator that the confrontation between Russia and the EU is deepening further.