The EU extended sanctions against the Russian Federation for one year for recognizing the “independence” of the occupied territories of Ukraine

The Council of the EU decided to extend the sanctions against Russia introduced due to the war in Ukraine until February 24 next year.

The corresponding decision was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on Tuesday, writes “European Truth”.

“The Union remains steadfast in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and is committed to the full implementation of the policy of non-recognition regarding the illegal Russian annexation,” the document says.

“The Union does not recognize and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation as a violation of international law. Given the ongoing illegal actions of the Russian Federation against Ukraine, the restrictive measures should be extended until February 24, 2024,” the decision emphasizes.

The decision will enter into force on February 22 and applies to the existing sanctions introduced February 23, 2022 “in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of some areas of Ukraine that are not controlled by the government.”

On October 6, 2022, these sanctions were extended in response to Russia’s recognition of the occupied regions of Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine and the introduction of Russian armed forces into these regions.

It will be recalled that the high representative of the EU for foreign policy and security policy, Josep Borrell, expressed confidence that the tenth package of sanctions against Russia will be adopted to the anniversary of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.