The European Council extended the deadline for another six months economic measures against Russia due to the continuation of actions that destabilize the situation in Ukraine, the sanctions will last until July 31, 2026.
Restrictive economic measures, first introduced in 2014, have been significantly extended from February 2022 in response to Russia's unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against Ukraine, it was announced on the website of the Council of the EU.
The measures include restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury goods. They include a ban on the import or transfer of crude oil and certain oil derivatives from Russia to the EU, the de-SWIFTING of several Russian banks and the suspension of broadcasts and licenses in the EU of several Kremlin-backed media. In addition, specific measures enable the Union to counter sanctions circumvention.
As long as the illegal actions of the Russian Federation continue to violate the basic rules of international law, including in particular the prohibition of the use of force, it is appropriate to keep in force all measures introduced by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary, the European Council concluded.
Photo: Oleg Petrasiuk/Ukraine's 24th Mechanized Brigade via APThe war in Ukraine is entering a new phase of uncertainty
Let us remind you that the negotiations on achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine are ongoing, but so far no agreement has been reached on a possible end to the war.
The US brokered a series of meetings in Miami and Berlin, including talks by US envoys with Russian and Ukrainian representatives on a possible peace plan based on a more than 20-point draft, which provides security guarantees for Ukraine and economic reconstruction. Ukraine remains steadfast in its position that it cannot accept territorial concessions or restrictions on its sovereignty, while Moscow rejects the changes proposed by Kiev and its European allies as unproductive for peace.
At the same time, the idea of trilateral talks between the US, Ukraine and Russia is gaining momentum, although Russia does not consider these proposals serious and continues military operations along the front. Ukrainian leaders, backed by the West, insist on security guarantees similar to those in NATO's Article 5 and a halt to aggression before any comprehensive agreement.
The international community, including the EU and other allies, has called for continued negotiations while respecting Ukraine's territorial integrity, but deep differences remain on key issues such as borders and security provisions.
Source: FoNet
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