EU extends Russia sanctions through July 2026
The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia for another six months. (Photo: REUTERS/Yves Herman/File Photo)
The Council of the European Union has extended sanctions
against Russia for another six months — through July 31, 2026 — the Council’s
press service announced
on Dec. 22.
The Council recalled that sanctions were first imposed in
2014, and have been significantly expanded since February 2022 in response to
Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The current measures cover restrictions in trade, finance,
energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport, and luxury items.
In addition, the sanctions include a ban on importing or
transporting Russian crude oil and certain petroleum products by sea to the EU,
the removal of several Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and the suspension
of operations and licenses of several Kremlin propaganda outlets within the
bloc.
“So long as the unlawful actions of the Russian Federation
continue to violate the fundamental norms of international law — including the
prohibition on the use of force — it is appropriate to maintain all EU-imposed
measures and adopt additional ones if necessary,” the Council emphasized.
In its conclusions from the Dec. 18 European Council
meeting, EU leaders said they expect the bloc to adopt a 20th package of
sanctions against Russia in early 2026.
The document states that the EU remains committed to
maintaining and increasing pressure on Russia to force it to end the war in
Ukraine and engage in meaningful peace talks.
On Dec. 15, the Council imposed sanctions on five
individuals and four entities responsible for supporting Russia’s so-called
“shadow fleet.”
Then on Dec. 18, it introduced further restrictions
targeting 41 ships — including oil tankers — that are part of the Kremlin’s
shadow fleet and generate revenue for Russia’s energy sector.
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