(1)

On 31 July 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/512/CFSP (1).

(2)

The Union remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

(3)

On 24 February 2022, the President of the Russian Federation announced a military operation in Ukraine and Russian armed forces began an attack on Ukraine. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

(4)

In its conclusions of 24 February 2022, the European Council condemned in the strongest possible terms the Russian Federation’s unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. By its illegal military actions, Russia is grossly violating international law and the principles of the UN Charter and undermining European and global security and stability. The European Council called for the urgent preparation and adoption of a further individual and economic sanctions package.

(5)

In view of the gravity of the situation, and in response to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, it is appropriate to introduce further restrictive measures with regard to the provision of specialised financial messaging services to certain Russian credit institutions and their Russian subsidiaries, which are relevant for the Russian financial system and which are already the subject of restrictive measures imposed by the Union or by partner countries and, subject to certain exceptions, with regard to engagement with the Russian Direct Investment Fund. It is also appropriate to prohibit, subject to certain exceptions, the supply of euro denominated banknotes to Russia.

(6)

Further action by the Union is needed in order to implement certain measures.

(7)

In order to ensure that the measures provided for in this Decision are effective, it should enter into force on the date of its publication.

(8)

Decision 2014/512/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,