EU extends sanctions against Russia for another six months

The Council of the European Union on December 22 extended economic sanctions against Russia for a further six months, until July 31, 2026, the council’s press service said.

The measures refer to economic sanctions first imposed in 2014 and significantly expanded from February 2022 in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The restrictions cover trade, finance, energy, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and luxury products.

They also include a ban on the import or seaborne transfer of Russian crude oil and certain oil products to the EU, the exclusion of several Russian banks from the SWIFT system, and the suspension of operations and licences of several Kremlin-backed media outlets within the bloc.

Additional measures allow the EU to counter attempts to circumvent the sanctions.

Sources said the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia is expected to be unveiled shortly after the New Year.