EU Extends Sanctions Against Russia but Removes Three Names from the List

The European Union has extended individual sanctions against Russia for six months. These sanctions include entry bans and asset freezes for 2,400 individuals and entities, as Ursula von der Leyen announced on her X social media account.

The decision was delayed due to Hungary’s stance, as it demanded the removal of eight individuals from the list, including close associates of Putin. After negotiations, a compromise was reached—three names were removed.

Among them are a businessman from the fertilizer industry and the former president of the European Jewish Congress, Moshe Kantor.

Sanctions remain in place against officials, military personnel, oligarchs, and individuals involved in the deportation of Ukrainian children.

It is worth noting that Hungary exercised its veto power to block the extension of EU sanctions against Russia, as reported by Reuters.

Budapest demanded the removal of eight individuals from the sanctions list, threatening not to support the restrictions otherwise. The names of these individuals were not disclosed, but they were subject to EU sanctions, including asset freezes and entry bans.

Earlier reports indicated that the EU is preparing the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, despite potential opposition from Hungary, continuing to increase economic pressure on Moscow.

It was also reported that on the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, Australia introduced its largest package of sanctions since 2022, affecting 149 individuals and entities from Russia.