The European Union has decided to prolong the economic sanctions imposed on Russia, a measure that seeks to limit Moscow's financial resources used in the conflict with Ukraine. This extension, which required unanimity among member states, was jeopardized by Hungarian demands, but an agreement was finally reached. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security, Kaja Kallas, confirmed that the restrictions will remain in place for another six months, and stressed the importance of Russia taking responsibility for its actions.
Hungary, which blocked the decision until the last minute, has obtained assurances about the security of its energy infrastructure, which is essential for its energy supply. The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Peter Szijjarto, stressed that the agreed declaration ensures the strategic importance of these infrastructures for the EU. The sanctions, initially introduced in 2014 and extended with the outbreak of war in 2022, include asset freezes and trade and financial restrictions, especially in the energy and technology sectors.
In addition, the EU has frozen Russian assets in its territory, allocating the proceeds to the defense and reconstruction of Ukraine, with an 18.1 billion euro commitment in economic assistance. A sixteenth package of sanctions is being prepared, which could be announced coinciding with the third anniversary of the start of the invasion. From Finland, Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen backed the extension of sanctions, stressing their impact on the Russian economy and the need to pressure Vladimir Putin to sit down and negotiate.
The ongoing sanctions reflect the joint effort of EU member states to restrict Russia's economic resources while supporting Ukraine in its resistance and reconstruction efforts.
Source: infobae.com