War

Ukraine, EU extends individual sanctions against Russia by six months

The sanctions - which in the absence of an agreement would have expired tomorrow - affect over 2,600 individuals and entities believed to be involved in Russia's war against Kiev

14 March 2026

Un abitante del posto ispeziona le auto danneggiate sul luogo di un attacco russo a Brovary, nei pressi di Kiev, in Ucraina, il 14 marzo 2026, nel corso dell'invasione russa. Secondo il Servizio statale di emergenza ucraino, almeno quattro persone sono state uccise e altre 15 ferite in seguito a un attacco combinato sferrato durante la notte dalla Russia con droni e missili contro la capitale ucraina e i distretti circostanti. EPA/SERGEY DOLZHENKO

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

3' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

The EU countries have extended the individual sanctions against Russia for six months, until 15 September. This was announced by the EU Council. The written procedure for the renewal of the measures, initiated following the withdrawal of the veto by Hungary and Slovakia and the subsequent understanding reached between the ambassadors of the Twenty-Seven, was successfully concluded.

As part of the extension, the restrictive measures against two individuals were not confirmed. The sanctions - which in the absence of agreement would have expired tomorrow - affect more than 2,600 individuals and entities believed to be involved in Russia's war against Kiev.

The measures, introduced after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, must be renewed every six months by unanimity of the 27 EU countries and include asset freezes and a ban on entry into the EU.

Bratislava had threatened a veto by requesting the removal of billionaires Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the list, but finally withdrew the request.

Individual sanctions, the EU Council points out, "include travel restrictions on natural persons, freezing of assets and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to listed persons and entities".

Among the names remaining on the EU sanctions list is the entrepreneur Mikhail Fridman: despite a previous ruling in his favour by the European Court of Justice and the annulment of the measures against him decided by the judges in April 2024, his name was kept on the blacklist.

"As stated in the text endorsed by 25 Heads of State or Government at the European Council on 18 December 2025," a note reads, "the EU reaffirms its continued and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders. The EU will continue to provide, in coordination with like-minded partners and allies, comprehensive political, financial, economic, humanitarian, military and diplomatic support to Ukraine and its people'.

"The EU," the Council went on to emphasise, "remains determined to maintain and intensify pressure on Russia to end its brutal war of aggression and engage in meaningful peace negotiations".

However, the 20th package of measures against Moscow, which will return to the Foreign Council table on Monday together with the 90 billion loan to Kiev, still blocked by Viktor Orban's opposition, remains stalled.

Meanwhile, Russian attacks in Ukraine have killed at least seven civilians and wounded at least 46 others in the past 24 hours, according to several regional authorities today.

The Ukrainian Air Force, reports the Kyiv Independent, claimed to have shot down 402 of the 430 drones and 58 missiles launched by Russian forces. Nevertheless, 6 missiles and 28 drones hit 11 targets.

Ucraina, 1.471° giorno di guerra
Photogallery15 foto

In the Kiev Oblast, four people were killed and 15 wounded during rocket and drone attacks overnight, according to local authorities.

In the Kharkiv region, one person was killed and eleven injured, including two children, according to Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Attacks in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions

Other Russian attacks in the Kherson region resulted in the death of one civilian and the wounding of seven others, said Governor Oleksandr Prokudin, adding that social infrastructure and residential areas were also targeted.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, one person was killed and seven wounded, said Governor Ivan Fedorov. Russian forces carried out 780 raids on 39 settlements in the region.

In the Donetsk region, three people were injured, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.

Russian attacks also injured three civilians in the Sumy region, where local authorities reported nearly 80 raids on 35 settlements.x

Tajani: Moscow sanctions must be maintained

Absolutely. Italia was among the countries that promoted sanctions against Russia to push Moscow to reach a ceasefire. There too we want the war to end as soon as possible: we are in favour of every initiative, we have supported the American action and we hope that the talks between the two sides can go in the right direction even if it is very difficult, peace is the ultimate goal'. This was said by Foreign Minister and FI leader Antonio Tajani on the sidelines of a party initiative on the referendum, responding to those who asked him whether he thought sanctions against Russia should be maintained.