The Council of the European Union has decided to extend the restrictive measures against Russia in connection with the illegal occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea for another year.
This is reported by Київ24
Which sanctions remain in effect
The sanctions package, first introduced in June 2014, includes a range of stringent restrictions. In particular, the import of any products produced in occupied Crimea into the European Union is prohibited. Infrastructure and financial investments, as well as the provision of tourism services on the peninsula, are also not allowed.
Additionally, the restrictions extend to the export of certain goods and technologies that could be used by Crimean companies or on the territory of Crimea. Special emphasis is placed on the sectors of transport, energy, as well as the exploration and extraction of oil, gas, and other natural resources.
EU’s position on Russian annexation
“The EU does not recognize and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation as a violation of international law,” the press release states.
It should be noted that Russia seized Crimea in 2014, holding a so-called referendum in violation of Ukrainian legislation and under the control of its own military. Western countries unanimously interpret these actions as a gross violation of international law, while the Russian authorities refer to the annexation of the peninsula as the “restoration of historical justice.”
The sanctions, extended until June 23, 2026, remain one of the main tools of international pressure on the Russian Federation to end the occupation of Ukrainian territories.