Council of EU Prolongs Personal Sanctions Against Russia for Another 6 Months

BRUSSELS, September 13 (Sputnik) – The Council of the European Union prolonged on Wednesday personal sanctions, some of them in force since 2014, against nearly 1,800 Russian individuals and entities for “undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine” for another six months.

“The Council decided today to prolong the restrictive measures targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for another six months, until 15 March 2024,” the statement read.

The sanctions include travel restrictions for individuals, the freezing of assets and a ban for EU citizens and firms on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed Russian individuals and entities.

“In the context of the sanctions’ review, the Council also decided not to renew the listings of four individuals,” the statement also read.

The names of the four individuals will be made available to the general public after the council’s decision is published in the Official Journal of the EU.

Personal sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian nationals accused by the EU in “undermining the territorial integrity of Ukraine” were first imposed in March 2014 and have since been prolonged every six months. The imposition of sanctions can be challenged in the EU Court of Justice in Luxembourg. A number of claims from Russians who fell under the restrictions are being heard there. EU experts also review sanctions lists from time to time. The lawyers representing Russian nationals in European courts note that lists are often made in a hurry and with violations, which is unacceptable for a legal system.