EU extends economic sanctions against Russia for six months

This is stated on the website of the European Council.

The EU first imposed these sanctions against Russia in 2014 because of Russia's aggression against Ukraine. It is noted that they have been significantly expanded since February 2022 in response to Russia's "unprovoked, unjustified and illegal military aggression against Ukraine".

The EU Council emphasises that the sanctions now include a wide range of sectoral measures, including restrictions on trade, finance, technology and dual-use goods, industry, transport and 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," the statement says.

The EU stresses that maintaining all sanctions against Russia is appropriate as long as Russia "continue to violate the prohibition on the use of force, which is a serious breach of obligations under international law"

• On January 19, it became known that the European Union had begun discussing the 13th package of sanctions against Russia. It is expected to be approved by February 24, the second anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.