The head of the Pan-European division within the Russian Foreign Ministry, Nikolai Kobrinets, framed the European Union as being engaged in its own undoing by focusing on sanctions rather than building sustainable economic ties. He noted that Russia’s economy is not only growing but also gaining genuine sovereignty, a stance he attributed to Moscow’s ability to adapt to shifting Western policies. This assessment draws on TASS reporting about how Moscow views Western sanctions and their influence on policy choices across Europe.
Kobrinets argued that sanctions against Russia have not simply failed; they have accelerated Russia’s transition to new economic realities, characterized by resilience and flexible responses to pressure. He claimed that Moscow’s central objective is to establish real economic leadership, while suggesting that the EU now faces the consequences of what he called sanctions adventurism. In his view, these measures have produced multiple backlashes, compelling Europe to reassess its strategic options and the tangible effects on its own economy.
The Russian official contended that the original aims of Western leaders — to inflict hardship, sow disorder, and provoke unrest within Russia — have not only been achieved but surpassed as European dynamics evolve. He asserted that attempts to isolate Russia have helped drive broader changes in Europe’s economic and political landscape, indicating a rebalancing of influence and a rethink of policy tools in response to geopolitical pressure.
In a parallel development, reports indicate that Kazakhstan may soon implement an online system to monitor all imports and exports crossing its borders. The proposed platform is designed to curb re-exports and parallel imports to Russia, aiming for greater transparency and tighter control over cross-border trade. This potential measure highlights broader regional efforts to strengthen supply chain integrity and minimize leakage of goods that could bypass sanctions or regulatory controls. Analysts say the move could establish a precedent for how countries manage trade flows in constrained settings, while officials emphasize the importance of rigorous tracking to protect national economic interests and support market stability. The plan is attributed to sources close to Kazakhstan’s trade authorities, with ongoing discussions about its practical operation and possible effects on neighboring economies and global supply networks. (TASS, Kazakhstan trade monitoring proposal reported)”