(1)

On 23 June 2014, the Council adopted Decision 2014/386/CFSP (1).

(2)

On 21 and 22 March 2024, the European Council reaffirmed the Union’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and its inherent right of self-defence against the Russian aggression. The Union does not recognise and continues to condemn the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation as a violation of international law. The Union remains dedicated to fully implementing its non-recognition policy.

(3)

In view of the gravity of the situation, and as long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate fundamental rules of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force enshrined in Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, or of international humanitarian law, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the Union. Therefore, Decision 2014/386/CFSP should be renewed until 23 June 2025.

(4)

Decision 2014/386/CFSP should therefore be amended accordingly,