EU Extends Sanctions on Russia Until 2027 as Ukraine War Enters Fifth Year

The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia for another year, until February 24, 2027, over Moscow’s full-scale war against Ukraine, according to a decision published in the Official Journal of the EU on February 23.

In its statement, the EU said that as long as Russia’s “illegal actions” continue to violate fundamental norms of international law—including the prohibition on the use of force under Article 2(4) of the UN Charter  and international humanitarian law—it is appropriate to maintain all restrictive measures imposed by the bloc.

The extension will formally take effect on February 24, 2026, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which started on February 24, 2022.

The EU also recalled a UN General Assembly resolution adopted on February 24, 2025, which demands that Russia “immediately, completely and unconditionally” withdraw all its forces from Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders and cease all hostilities, including attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

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Earlier, it was reported that EU countries were unlikely to reach an agreement on a new sanctions package against Russia at the foreign ministers’ meeting due to Hungary’s continued resistance.

It was reporters who said it had become clear a consensus would not be achieved on the proposed 20th sanctions package, which several member states had hoped to adopt in time for the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.

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