Brussels: The European Union has extended its current economic sanctions against Russia until January 31, 2026, due to a lack of progress over peace in Ukraine. These sanctions are a continuation of existing measures and are separate from a new 18th package of sanctions currently being prepared by the EU.
According to Ghana News Agency, the new sanctions package requires unanimous support from all EU member states. However, Slovakia has withheld its agreement, demanding compensation if the EU Commission's plan to stop Russian gas imports leads to economic harm for Slovakia. In contrast, the extension of existing sanctions has been agreed upon relatively smoothly among member states.
Representatives of EU member states stated in a release from Brussels that as long as Russia's actions continue to violate international law, particularly the prohibition on the use of force, it is appropriate to maintain the current sanctions. The measures are a response to Russia's military actions against Ukraine.
There had been concerns about Hungary potentially blocking the decision, as it argued that easing sanctions might aid peace efforts by US President Donald Trump, who is looking to leverage his relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin to broker a deal involving concessions from Ukraine.
The existing EU sanctions against Russia cover trade, finance, energy, industry, transport, and luxury goods. The sanctions also include a ban on Russian crude oil imports by sea and disconnection of several Russian banks from the Swift financial communications system.
