Russia's general public's reactions to the European Union's latest sanctions remain split, as the country is downplaying their impact on its critical oil and energy sector.
The EU's 18th sanctions package, its toughest one so far, took effect last week, targeting transactions linked to the Nord Stream gas pipelines and shadow fleet tankers.
Experts said that while new sanctions will complicate existing business routes and force businesses to look for new channels, they are unlikely to have an immediate impact or cripple the Russian economy that grew by 4.3 percent last year, compared to 0.7 percent in the Eurozone, stressing these restrictions are far more damaging to the bloc.
Officials said the country has already adjusted to earlier sanctions, pointing to 2022 as the hardest year, when Russia became the world's most sanctioned nation.
Economists are suggesting that Russia should respond to western curbs, targeting assets of western companies that used to operate in Russia.
Public reactions are mixed. Some citizens say the sanctions are barely felt and will not produce tangible effects.
"We live and we will continue to live. There have been so many packages before. We will somehow overcome it," said Diana, a resident.
"I think they are introducing sanctions because of hopelessness. They don't know how to hurt and to humiliate Russia. We don't feel here any effect on our life," said Marina, another resident.
Still, some admit the measures have disrupted everyday routines.
"Life has become more difficult -- payments, traveling, movement -- they have created problems," said Ivan.
"We discuss it in the family every day. We are tired of it. It’s very difficult," said Liuyda.
The new restrictions come as the conflict in Ukraine shows no signs of abating.
Russia said its resolve to achieve its goals in Ukraine will not change and the threat of more sanctions is unlikely to make Moscow change its course.
Russian general public have divided views on EU sanctions
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
