Moscow: The Kremlin has brushed aside the European Union’s latest move to speed up the phasing out of Russian fossil fuels, insisting that the plan will not alter Moscow’s policies or weaken its economic resilience.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday that Brussels was mistaken if it believed Russia would shift its position under mounting sanctions. “Russia, which defends its national interests, is certainly not affected by these sanctions. And the last three years have eloquently demonstrated this,” Peskov stated.

The European Commission is expected to propose measures aimed at cutting reliance on Russian oil, gas, and other commodities more quickly. Since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has already significantly reduced energy imports from Russia, though it continues to purchase certain resources such as liquefied natural gas and enriched uranium.

Peskov maintained that sanctions and restrictions have not altered Russia’s course, despite economic pressures that include rising inflation, growing military expenditure, and budget deficits. He reiterated Moscow’s stance that external measures would not compromise what it views as its core national interests.

For the EU, the accelerated plan is designed to enhance energy security, diversify supplies, and push further into renewable alternatives. However, the transition presents challenges for member states still partially dependent on Russian energy, and could drive up costs in the short term.

Russia, meanwhile, has sought to redirect its energy exports to alternative markets in Asia and the Middle East, offering discounted supplies to offset the loss of its traditional European customers. The Kremlin’s confidence suggests it believes such strategies will continue to cushion the impact of Europe’s gradual disengagement.

The EU’s ability to secure replacements and speed up its energy transition will determine how effective the phase-out will be in tightening economic pressure on Moscow in the years ahead.