The EU continues to maintain its position: sanctions against the occupied Crimea and Sevastopol remain in force and will be applied for at least until June 2026
This decision was made by the European Council, which yesterday officially announced the extension of its sanction policy in response to the illegal annexation of the peninsula by Russia. An official statement appeared on the EU Council’s website, confirming that the sanctions initiated in June 2014 will remain in effect at least until June 23, 2026. This decision underscores the European Union’s firm stance not to recognize any change in the status of Ukrainian territory without international legitimate procedures and to continue pressuring Russia in light of its aggression. Details of the sanctions policy remain unchanged. Since their introduction, these restrictions have repeatedly proven effective in attempting to curb the economic development of the occupied regions. They include a ban on importing goods from the illegally annexed territories—Crimea and Sevastopol—into EU countries, as well as restrictions on investments in infrastructure, financing, and the tourism sector in these regions. Additionally, under the sanctions, the export of high-tech goods and equipment needed for transportation, telecommunications systems, and the energy sector to companies operating there or to the peninsula is prohibited. This also applies to supplies of equipment used in oil and gas extraction industries, as well as mineral resources. Through these measures, the European Union aims to complicate Russia’s and its affiliated structures’ operations in the occupied territory. The European Council unanimously reaffirmed its position: the annexation of Crimea is a gross violation of international law, and it has no intention of recognizing it. This decision demonstrates the EU’s unwavering policy of supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity and refusing to recognize any borders changed without the lawful consent of the Ukrainian government. The EU reiterates that such aggression contravenes the fundamental principles of the international community, as well as democracy and the rule of law. Furthermore, the Council’s statement emphasizes that since 2022, Russia has further violated Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by unleashing a large-scale war. This has become a key argument for continuing and intensifying sanctions measures by the European Union, which has no intention of easing pressure on Moscow in its geopolitical ambitions. Meanwhile, the European Union is preparing its 18th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The draft proposal suggests lowering the cap on the price of Russian oil from $60 to $45 per barrel—a measure aimed at reducing Moscow’s profits. However, despite the threat of lowering oil prices, the European Commission and some member states acknowledge that further efforts to regulate prices may lack support, as the “G7”—a coalition of leading industrialized countries—so far has not expressed interest in this initiative. At the same time, the new sanctions package will include additional measures against Belarus—Moscow’s ally in the aggression against Ukraine—as well as restrictions on software used by Russian banks, with the goal of increasing economic pressure. In summary, the European policy on sanctions remains consistent and targeted. At the end of 2023, the EU demonstrated its firm support for Ukraine and condemnation of Russian aggression, and this trend remains unchanged. European institutions continue working toward expanding and strengthening sanctions measures to halt and weaken Russia’s ability to wage war, as well as to support the international rule of law and Ukrainian sovereignty. The question of the long-term effectiveness and appropriateness of sanctions scenarios remains relevant, as the conflict continues and the global community continues seeking ways to bring it to an end.