EU extends sanctions against Russia for the first time by 12 months, instead of six.

The spokesperson for the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, announced on Thursday that the European Union will extend sanctions against Russia for the first time by 12 months, instead of six. These sanctions were imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 and specifically target revenues from fossil fuel sales, the arms industry, and Russian financial institutions.

Until now, the sanctions were renewed semi-annually, and their extension required unanimous approval from the 27 member states. Support for Ukraine has been strengthened following the loss of elections by former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who had previously refused to support the pro-Ukraine position.

During the Thursday meeting in Brussels, European leaders unanimously adopted a joint declaration of support for Ukraine, marking an important moment in the Union's foreign policy.