The European Union announced a new extension on Monday, keeping in place the existing sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations until September 15. The measures target actions linked to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the ongoing aggression against Ukraine, including the role of President Vladimir Putin and the broader conflict instigated by Moscow.
Since 2014, the EU has maintained a broad slate of restrictive measures. The latest tally records 1,473 individuals and 205 entities sanctioned, a roster that includes senior officials and key actors tied to the Russian state apparatus. Among those named is Sergei Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, whose designation remains a centerpiece of the sanctions regime.
One of the notable names in the list has been Violetta Prigozhina, the mother of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary group. The EU General Court had previously annulled the sanctions against her on the grounds that the nature of her relationship with the Wagner organization had shifted. The court’s decision did not persuade Brussels to lift measures, and the Council has continued to enforce the sanctions pending further developments. This marks the first time European justice has questioned restrictive measures adopted since the Ukraine invasion began in 2022.
While a legal appeal remains possible, European sources briefed to EFE confirm that no immediate steps have been taken to modify the policy, and Prigozhina remains under the restrictive framework as of now. The extension means that the full set of prohibitions remains active and enforceable for another period, maintaining the pressure on those deemed responsible for actions against Ukraine and its territorial integrity.
Sanctioned individuals and entities face a comprehensive freeze of their assets and properties within the EU, alongside travel prohibitions that bar entry into European territory. The purpose of these measures is to deter further destabilization and to signal a united stance in support of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial borders.
Since the onset of Russia’s war against Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU has adopted a series of ten sanction packages. Each package expands the scope of individuals and sectors targeted, broadening restrictions on financial networks, defense equipment, technology transfers, and diplomatic engagements linked to Moscow’s aggression. The ongoing review process reflects the EU’s commitment to adjust responses in line with evolving circumstances on the ground in Ukraine and within international diplomacy, while coordinating with allies across North America and beyond for a cohesive approach to crisis management and accountability.