EU renews sanctions on Russia, imposed over annexation of Ukrainian territories

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The EU has decided to renew sanctions against Russia over the annexation of Ukrainian regions last year, according to a statement by the Council of the European Union.

The bloc's decision on Monday extends the restrictive measures targeting Russian individuals and economic relations with Moscow-controlled areas in Ukraine until Feb. 24, 2024.

It also maintains restrictions on Russia's access to the EU’s capital and financial markets and services.

"The Union does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Ukrainian territories by the Russian Federation as a violation of international law," the Council of the European Union said in a statement on Monday, announcing the extension of sanctions.

It added that the EU is determined to support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders.

On Feb. 23 last year, the EU imposed sanctions on Russia over the recognition of Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk as independent entities.

Following the annexation of Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Donetsk, and Luhansk, the EU on Oct. 6, 2022 extended the geographical scope of the restrictions of its previous sanctions.

- Annexation of Ukrainian territories

On Sept. 30, Russia declared its annexation of areas in and around four Ukrainian oblasts -- Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.

On Sept. 23-27, Ukraine’s separatist regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and Russia-controlled parts of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson held referendums on joining Russia.

The referendums have been condemned by the international community, with European nations and the US calling them a "sham" and that they will not be recognized.