The European Union has prolonged its existing sanctions against Russia for another six months, ensuring that restrictive measures remain in force after member states reached agreement just ahead of the expiry deadline.
The decision, confirmed by the Council of the European Union on Saturday, keeps the current sanctions framework in place until 15 September. The measures apply to roughly 2,600 individuals and organisations accused of supporting or benefiting from war in Ukraine. Without the renewal, the restrictions were set to lapse on Sunday evening.
The extension followed difficult negotiations among EU ambassadors a day earlier, when talks initially failed to produce consensus. Approval from all 27 member states is required to maintain the sanctions regime, and discussions were complicated by objections from Hungary and Slovakia.
While the existing measures have now been prolonged, negotiations over a further round of penalties against Russia remain unresolved. The proposed twentieth sanctions package, put forward by the European Commission earlier this year, continues to face opposition from Budapest and Bratislava.
Prime ministers Viktor Orbán and Robert Fico have linked their approval of the new measures to the restoration of the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian crude oil to their landlocked countries through Ukrainian territory. The pipeline has been out of operation since late January. Authorities in Kyiv argue that repairs cannot be carried out safely while bombardments continue.
Hungary and Slovakia have disputed that explanation, suggesting the pipeline’s continued closure is politically motivated and increasing pressure on both Ukraine and EU institutions to resolve the issue. Responding to the dispute, Paula Pinho, chief spokesperson for the European Commission, said officials were already examining the possibility of providing financial support for the necessary repairs.
The Commission originally hoped that the new sanctions package would be adopted before the fourth anniversary of the war on 24 February. However, EU foreign ministers were unable to secure the required unanimity during their latest meeting in Brussels.
Among the measures proposed in the new round of sanctions are restrictions on maritime services for Russian oil shipments, including insurance, as well as additional steps aimed at curbing the activities of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
