Russia's Ambassador to Paris, Alexey Meshkov, told Sputnik that an extensive web of French businesses that are not publicly enlisted or affiliated with the United States are still active in Russia. 

In a statement, Meshkov said that larger companies that do not engage in the Initial Public Offering (IPO), or stock launch, and smaller business enterprises that are not associated with the US, resume business as usual. "Those that somehow depend on the United States or the dollar, undoubtedly, are afraid," he added. 

Addressing the Western sanctions imposed on Russia, Meshkov said the European Union is not certain of its next move but has started drafting its 13th sanctions package regardless.

The upcoming wave of sanctions will target third-country companies still operating in Russia, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell revealed on Monday. However, EU member countries are divided and have not set anything in stone yet, he added. 

Meshkov also speculated that the French would draw boundaries if the package neared the Russian energy sector, slamming the West's entire anti-Russia sanctions rationale as illogical. 

'What is the reason?'

It is not only France that has been rejecting the imposition of sanctions on Russia, but several other EU members as well. 

One of the most prominent and outspoken is Hungary. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said in an interview with RIA Novosti in October that his country would veto the 12th sanctions package by the EU if it targets Russian gas, oil, or nuclear energy. 

According to Szijjarto, any restrictions on those who have done good to Hungary by "saving the lives of Hungarians, for example through making it possible that we could buy vaccines," or contributing to its energy supply will be opposed.

Hungary has been clear on its stance from Russia's sanctions, saying that they have been detrimental to Europe's interests, and calling for their end.

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