EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia for Illegal Annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014

On 17 June, the EU Council decided to extend sanctions against Russia, which were imposed in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol from Ukraine in 2014. These sanctions will remain in effect until at least 23 June next year, according to an announcement on the official website of the EU Council.

The restrictive measures against Russia for the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol were first introduced in June 2014 and have been repeatedly extended and supplemented since then. They include a ban on the import of goods from the illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol into the EU, as well as on infrastructure or financial investments and tourism services in these regions.

Additionally, the restrictions apply to the export of certain goods and technologies to Crimean companies or for use in Crimea in the transport, telecommunications, and energy sectors, as well as for the exploration, development, and extraction of oil, gas, and mineral resources.

The EU Council emphasises that it does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation as a blatant violation of international law. The statement underscores that the European Union remains steadfast in its commitment to the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders. The EU Council also stresses Ukraine's inherent right to self-defence against unlawful Russian aggression.

As reported by The Gaze, on 13 June, new extensive sanctions against Russia were also announced by the US and the UK, comprising over 50 new restrictive measures aimed at undermining Putin's war machine as part of coordinated actions with G7 partners. The new sanction targets include ships of Putin's shadow fleet, institutions of the Russian financial system, and suppliers supporting Russian military production.