The EU extended the sanctions against 2,600 Russians after Hungary and Slovakia no longer objected / Two people, removed from the list
The European Union extended by six months the sanctions against the people and entities considered to support Russia's war against Ukraine, after the measure had been stalled due to the right of veto to be used by Hungary and Slovakia, which, however, no longer opposed, according to Reuters.
The Council, the EU body that represents the 27 member states, announced that the restrictive measures directed against those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine have been extended until September 15.
The 27-nation bloc lifted sanctions against two people and removed five deceased people from the list. One of the two people alive removed was Niels Troost, a Dutchman on the sanctions list for trading Russian oil, according to an EU diplomat.
About 2,600 individuals and entities are subject to measures, including travel restrictions, asset freezes, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to listed individuals or entities. EU sanctions have steadily expanded since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Hungary and Slovakia had previously requested the removal of a number of Russian oligarchs from the sanctions list, European diplomats told Reuters.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban on Monday called on the EU to suspend sanctions on Russian energy because of skyrocketing prices fueled by the Iran war. Hungary and Slovakia have also been at odds with Ukraine over Russian oil flows through the Drujba pipelines.
Photo: Dreamstime.com
