The Council of the European Union decided today to renew and extend the economic restrictive measures against Russia for another six months, until July 31, 2025.

“This unanimous decision to extend the EU sanctions against Russia is of critical importance. Maintaining increased pressure is essential as long as Russia continues its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine,” stated European Council President António Costa on “X.” “This decision will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to fund its war. Russia must pay for the damage it is causing,” emphasized EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

In the Council’s announcement, it is noted that the economic measures against Russia, initially introduced in 2014, were significantly expanded from February 2022 in response to Russia’s unprovoked, unjustified, and illegal military aggression against Ukraine. Currently, these measures encompass a broad range of restrictions in various sectors, including trade, finance, energy, technology, dual-use goods, industry, transportation, and luxury items. They also include a ban on importing or transporting seaborne crude oil and certain petroleum products from Russia to the EU, the disconnection of several Russian banks, and the suspension of broadcasting activities and licenses of Kremlin-backed disinformation media in the EU. Additionally, specific measures enable the EU to address the circumvention of sanctions.

The decision was adopted unanimously after Hungary lifted its veto threat. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had been threatening for weeks to oppose the renewal of sanctions against Russia. Initially, Orbán had stated he was waiting for Donald Trump’s inauguration and Washington’s stance on sanctions against Russia. Later, he demanded the reopening of the natural gas pipeline from Ukraine to Central Europe. According to diplomatic sources, Hungary lifted its objections after the EU issued a declaration on Hungary’s energy security.