The European Union has extended the duration of sanctions imposed due to Russia’s war against Ukraine for the first time to one year. This decision was made at the European Union summit held in Brussels.
Until now, EU countries had been extending restrictions against Russia every six months. This time, the extension of sanctions to a one-year period was made possible by the absence of a veto from Hungary.
Previously, Hungary’s former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán had regularly blocked this initiative. However, the country’s new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who took office in May, supported the extension of sanctions to one year.
The declaration on the Russia-Ukraine war adopted at the summit was approved by all 27 EU member states. This has been observed for the first time since December 2024. In previous instances, Viktor Orbán had also opposed the adoption of this document.
The declaration states that the EU will continue its policy of further increasing pressure on Russia and weakening the country’s military economy. Through this, Brussels aims to engage Moscow in meaningful peace negotiations.
Currently, the content and adoption date of the 21st package of sanctions being prepared against Russia have not been disclosed. According to information circulated in mass media, the new package may include a ban on entry into the EU for Russian military personnel involved in the war in Ukraine, as well as sanctions against the head of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill.
