EU Council extends economic sanctions on Russia for six more months

(MENAFN) The European Union has extended its economic sanctions against Russia for an additional six months in response to the continuing war in Ukraine, according to reports. The measures will remain effective until July 31, 2026.

Originally imposed in 2014 and expanded significantly after the outbreak of hostilities in 2022, the sanctions target critical sectors of the Russian economy. These include restrictions on trade, finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transport, and luxury products.

The measures also encompass a ban on the import and transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia, the exclusion of several Russian banks from the SWIFT financial system, and the suspension of broadcasting activities and licenses of Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets within the EU. Specific steps have also been taken to prevent circumvention of the sanctions.

"As long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate fundamental rules of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the EU and to take additional measures, if necessary," the EU Council stated.

The extension underscores the EU’s commitment to sustaining pressure on Russia until a resolution consistent with international law is achieved.

MENAFN22122025000045017640ID1110511758