(1)

On 23 February 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 (1).

(2)

On 6 October 2022, in response to the illegal annexation of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia regions by the Russian Federation, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/1908 (2). That Decision amended the title of Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 and extended the geographical scope of the restrictions to cover all the non-government controlled areas of Ukraine in the oblasts of Donetsk, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.

(3)

On 14 and 15 December 2023, the European Council adopted conclusions in which, inter alia, it reiterated its condemnation of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, which constitutes a manifest violation of the Charter of the United Nations, and recalled the Union’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against Russia’s aggression.

(4)

On the basis of a review of Decision (CFSP) 2022/266, and as long as the Russian Federation’s illegal actions continue to violate the prohibition on the use of force, which is a serious breach of international law, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures currently imposed by the Union and to take additional measures, if necessary. Consequently, the restrictive measures contained in Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 should be renewed for a further 12 months, until 24 February 2025.

(5)

Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 should therefore be amended accordingly,