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The European Union is ready to increase pressure on Russia, including by imposing additional sanctions.
The EU Council has extended sanctions against Russia for another six months, until 31 July 2026. This was reported by the EU Council’s press service on Monday, 22 December.
The restrictive economic measures, first introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded from February 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
They currently consist of a broad range of sectoral measures, including restrictions in trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, as well as in industry and transport. The sanctions also include a ban on the import or maritime transport of crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, the exclusion of several Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and the suspension of operations and licenses within the EU of several Kremlin-backed disinformation media outlets. In addition, specific measures allow the EU to counter attempts to circumvent sanctions.
“As long as Russia’s illegal actions continue to violate fundamental norms of international law, including the prohibition on the use of force, it is appropriate to keep all measures introduced by the EU in place and to take additional measures if necessary,” the statement said.
The EU has reiterated its readiness to step up pressure on Russia, including through the introduction of further sanctions.
On 23 October, the EU approved its 19th package of sanctions against Russia. It includes a ban on imports of Russian LNG from 2027, restrictions on 117 vessels of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, and limits on the movement of Russian diplomats within EU member states.
