The Council of the European Union has adopted a decision to extend for another year the restrictive measures imposed in response to the illegal occupation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation. The sanctions will remain in effect until June 23, 2027.

“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 European Commission stated on its website. 

The restrictive measures imposed by the European Union in response to the temporary occupation of the Crimean Peninsula are an important element of international pressure on the occupying power and a reaffirmation of the consistent policy of non-recognition of the temporary occupation. 

Sanctions against the Crimean Peninsula have been in effect since 2014 and encompass a range of restrictions across various sectors. Their aim is to prevent the economic integration of the temporarily occupied peninsula into the Russian economy and to hold the occupying state internationally accountable for violating international law.

The European Union’s decision sends an important signal regarding continued international support for Ukraine and the continuation of pressure on the Russian Federation until our country’s territorial integrity is restored. The consistent extension of sanctions also demonstrates that the issue of Crimea’s de-occupation remains on the international agenda.