Russia is not planning to let a recent renewal of EU sanctions go unanswered, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told the Interfax news agency on Friday.

The sanctions in question were originally imposed in 2014, after Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. Questions about Ukraine are once again dominating EU-Russian relations, as Western intelligence says it has seen signs that Russia is weighing another military incursion into Ukraine.

EU leaders this week extended the 2014 sanctions by another six month, during a summit at which they also threatened further, coordinated sanctions with Britain and the US.

"We have a whole palette of functional countermeasures," said Peskov, adding that some response would come. He also said Russia considers the sanctions to be illegal and in violation of international law.

"As far as our country is concerned, it has adjusted itself quite well to the existing economic situation," he said, noting that, historically, sanctions have never helped a country achieve its goals.

The EU sanctions are set to be in place through July.

Ukraine has hosted a simmering conflict ever since pro-Russian forces took control of parts of the country's east. A ceasefire exists between the sides, but is often ignored.

The Russian Foreign Ministry on Friday released its draft proposal for mutual security guarantees with the West, saying that it is open to dialogue to achieve a more stable relationship.

The plan foresees an end to NATO's eastward expansion in Europe, specifically mentioning that Ukraine must not become a member.

Moscow also wants NATO states to commit to refraining from any military action on the territory of Ukraine, along with countries in Eastern Europe, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

It further calls for NATO to withdraw its military infrastructure to the positions it held in 1997. Moscow is also looking for guarantees on the placement of short- and medium-range missiles in the region.

According to the text, conflicts are to be discussed and resolved in the NATO-Russia Council.

The nuclear power sees its security threatened by NATO's advance towards Russia's borders.

Russia has already discussed the proposals with representatives of Western states, including the US, in recent days.

But few expect US President Joe Biden and European leaders to accede to Russian President Vladimir Putin's sky-high demands.

Biden has repeatedly offered assurances that nothing would be agreed with Putin without the input from those in the region and has pledged his support to Kiev.

NATO allies said in a joint statement they were aware of Moscow's proposals but it was "clear that any dialogue with Russia would have to proceed on the basis of reciprocity."

"Should Russia take concrete steps to reduce tensions, we are prepared to work on strengthening confidence-building measures," the 30 countries said.

dpa