EU sanctions weaken anti-terrorism efforts: Russia

Russia is lashing out at the latest round of Ukraine-related sanctions imposed by the European Union (EU), saying they endanger the fight against international terrorism. The sanctions, announced on Friday, impose travel bans and asset freezes on 15 people, including the head of Russia's Federal Security Service and the head of the agency's department overseeing international operations and intelligence. Four members of Russia's national security council are also on the list. A foreign ministry statement on Saturday denounced the sanctions, saying they show the EU is taking "a complete turn away from joint work with Russia on international and regional security, including the fight against the spread of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism (and) organised crime." "We are sure the decisions will be greeted enthusiastically by international terrorists," the ministry said, according to a news agency.