EU extends sanctions against Russia for six more months
Illustrative photo (Photo: Getty Images)
The European Union Council has extended sanctions against the Russian Federation for another six months, until July 31, 2024, reports the press service of the European Union Council.
The EU Council reminds that sanctions were initially imposed in 2014 and significantly expanded since February 2022 when the Russian Federation engaged in an unprovoked full-scale invasion of Ukrainian territory.
The sanctions include a wide range of sectoral measures, restricting:
- Trade
- Finance
- Technology
- Dual-use goods
- Industry
- Transportation
- Luxury goods
"They also cover: a ban on the import or transfer of seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, a de-SWIFTing of several Russian banks and the suspension of the broadcasting activities and licenses of several Kremlin-backed disinformation outlets. Additionally, specific measures were introduced to strengthen the ability of the EU to counter sanctions circumvention," adds the press service.
The 13th package of sanctions against Russia
The European Union began discussions on a new package of sanctions, which it intends to approve by February 24, 2024.
Possible sanctions were discussed on January 18 at a meeting of the bloc's ambassadors, where member states debated how best to support Kyiv in the long term.
According to Politico, Russian aluminum products are among the goods that may be subject to an embargo under the new set of restrictions. In particular, Czechia is pushing for restrictions on the movement of Russian diplomats within the Schengen zone.
