Since Russia launched a war of aggression against its neighbor, the EU has massively expanded its economic sanctions. The current measures will now run until July 31.
The EU has extended the existing economic sanctions against Russia for six months because of the aggression against Ukraine. After a decision by the EU states on Friday, the measures will now run until July 31, as the EU Council announced.
The first EU punitive measures against Russia were introduced after the crash of a Malaysian plane carrying 298 people over eastern Ukraine in July 2014. According to investigations, pro-Russian separatists shot down the plane. After the start of the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU massively expanded its sanctions.
Banks, technology, transport affected
Currently, the measures include restrictions on trade, finance, technology and transport, among others. Several Russian banks have also been excluded from the Swift banking communications network, and crude oil imports from Russia have largely been banned.
Japan also announced on Friday that it would freeze the assets of other Russian individuals and organizations. The EU Commission welcomed the tightened sanctions on Friday.
(APA/dpa)