The European Union has resolved to extend its sanctions against Russia for another six months, Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, says.
Speaking via his X account on Monday, Zelenskyy said the decision comes after a meeting he had with the European Union Council President, António Costa, in Kraków.
Quoting Zelenskyy, “Among our key topics were strengthening sanctions pressure on Russia and the 16th package of sanctions.
“We value today’s decision by the EU to extend sanctions against Russia for another six months. It is crucial to continue exerting pressure on Putin, as sanctions remain one of the truly powerful tools for this purpose.
“We also discussed defence assistance for our country, the development of our defence industry, and the importance of new initiatives to supply ammunition.
“All of these measures will strengthen Ukraine’s position in achieving a just and lasting peace,” the statement read.
Also reacting in a post on X, Costa assured Zelenskyy of the EU’s steadfast support in its fight against Russia.
“Today’s decision on sanctions against Russia is a case in point. I encouraged him to continue working on Ukraine’s EU accession.
“Ukraine’s progress so far has been remarkable. The EU will stand with Ukraine as long as it takes,” Costa said.
The EU imposed sanctions on Russia in response to human rights violations and abuses following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
The EU imposed 15 sanctions against Russia in response to human rights violations and abuses following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
These restrictions affected individuals and legal entities targeted Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and froze Russian assets, among other moves.
Confirming the six-month extension, the EU’s chief diplomat, Kaja Kallas, said the agreement “will continue to deprive Moscow of revenues to finance its war. Russia needs to pay for the damage they are causing.”
