The Council of the European Union decided on February 20, 2023, to extend the sanctions against the Russian Federation, introduced for the recognition of the “independence” of the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia.
Source: The Council of the European Union
We are talking about recognizing the “independence” of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.
“The Union remains unwavering in its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders and dedicated to the full implementation of the non-recognition policy in respect of Russia’s illegal annexation. 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. On the basis of a review of Decision (CFSP) 2022/266, and in view of the Russian Federation’s continuing illegal actions against Ukraine, the restrictive measures should be renewed until 24 February 2024,” noted the Council of the European Union.
The decision will enter into force on February 22, 2023, and concerns sanctions that were introduced on February 23, 2022 “in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine”.
See also: European Commission officially presented the 10th package of sanctions against Russia
