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EU response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine

The EU and its member states stand united in their unwavering support for Ukraine and firmly condemn Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression.

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Measures in response to the use of Iranian drones in Russian aggression

On 20 October 2022, the Council added three Iranian individuals and one Iranian entity to the list of those subject to restrictive measures for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. This is in view of their role in thedevelopment and delivery of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.

Those designated are subject to anasset freeze and EU citizens and companies areforbidden from making funds available to them. Natural persons are additionally subject to atravel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through EU territories.

Ukraine: EU sanctions three individuals and one entity in relation to the use of Iranian drones in Russian aggression (press release, 20 October 2022)

How did the war in Ukraine start?

Some constructions and an explosion can be seen from far. — Russia started a military aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 - ©AFP

In 2021, Russia started a large-scale military build-up near the border with eastern Ukraine, generating great concern in Ukraine, Europe and across the world.

On 21 February 2022, after weeks of extreme tensions, President Vladimir Putin decided to recognise the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts (administrative regions) in Ukraine as independent entities and to send Russian troops into those areas.

This followed a positive vote by the Russian State Duma (the lower house of the Russian parliament) on 15 February.

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched an invasion of Ukraine.

What does the EU say about Russia's invasion of Ukraine?

The EU strongly condemns Putin's decision to recognise the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk and Russia's unprovoked and unjustified military aggression against Ukraine. It also condemns Belarus' involvement in Russia's military aggression.

Since February 2022, the European Council and the Council of the European Union have been meeting regularly to discuss the situation in Ukraine from different perspectives.

The use of force and coercion to change borders has no place in the 21st century. Tensions and conflict should be resolved exclusively through dialogue and diplomacy.

European Council conclusions, 24 February 2022

EU leaders demanded on several occasions that Russia immediately cease its military actions, unconditionally withdraw all forces and military equipment from Ukraine and fully respect Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

They emphasised the right of Ukraine to choose its own destiny and commended the people of Ukraine for their courage in defending their country.

In response to the military aggression, the EU has massively expanded sanctions against Russia, by adding a significant number of persons and entities to the sanctions list, and by adopting unprecedented measures.

The EU has shown unity and strength and has provided Ukraine with humanitarian, political, financial and military support.

Ukraine belongs to our European family.

EU leaders' statement, 10 March 2022

The EU is committed to continue to show solidarity and provide support to the refugees fleeing the war in Ukraine and the countries hosting them. It is also coordinating with partners and allies, within the UN, OSCE, NATO and the G7.

On several occasions, the European Council condemned Russia's indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure, and reiterated that international humanitarian law must be respected. EU leaders underlined that Russia, Belarus and all those responsible for war crimes and the other most serious crimes will be held to account for their actions in accordance with international law.

What measures has the EU taken against Russia?

Individual and economic sanctions

The EU has adopteda number of sanctions in response to Russia's unprecedented and unprovoked military attack on Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions.

The measures are designed to weaken Russia's economic base, depriving it of critical technologies and markets, and significantly curtailing its ability to wage war.

First package (23 February 2022)

individual sanctions against members of the Russian State Duma who voted in favour of the recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
restrictions on economic relations with the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
restrictions on Russia's access to the EU's capital and financial markets and services

Russian recognition of the non-government controlled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities: EU adopts a package of sanctions (press release, 23 February 2022)

Second package (25 February 2022)

individual sanctions against Vladimir Putin, Sergey Lavrov and members of the Russian State Duma and National Security Council, among others
economic sanctions covering the finance, energy, transport and technology sectors
suspension of visa facilitation provisions for Russian diplomats and other Russian officials and businesspeople

Russia's military aggression against Ukraine: EU imposes sanctions against President Putin and Foreign Minister Lavrov and adopts wide-ranging individual and economic sanctions (press release, 25 February 2022)

Third package (28 February and 2 March 2022)

closure of EU airspace to all Russian aircraft
prohibition on transactions with the Russian Central Bank
SWIFT ban for seven Russian banks
prohibition on the provision of euro-denominated banknotes to Russia
suspension of broadcasting in the EU of state-owned outlets Russia Today and Sputnik
individual sanctions against Belarusians in response to Belarus' involvement in Russia's military invasion

EU adopts new set of measures to respond to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine (press release, 28 February 2022)
Russia's military aggression against Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on 26 persons and one entity (press release, 28 February 2022)
EU imposes sanctions on state-owned outlets RT/Russia Today and Sputnik's broadcasting in the EU (press release, 2 March 2022)
Russia's military aggression against Ukraine: EU bans certain Russian banks from the SWIFT system and introduces further restrictions (press release, 2 March 2022)
Belarus' role in the Russian military aggression of Ukraine: Council imposes sanctions on an additional 22 individuals and further restrictions on trade (press release, 2 March 2022)

Sanctions against Belarus (9 March 2022)

SWIFT ban for three Belarusian banks
prohibition on transactions with the Central Bank of Belarus
limits on financial inflows from Belarus to the EU
prohibition on the provision of euro-denominated banknotes to Belarus

Russia's military aggression against Ukraine: EU agrees new sectoral measures targeting Belarus and Russia (press release, 9 March 2022)

Fourth package of sanctions (15 March 2022)

individual sanctions against Roman Abramovich and German Khan, among others
prohibition on all transactions with certain state-owned enterprises
prohibition on the provision of credit-rating services to any Russian person or entity
prohibition on new investments in the Russian energy sector
prohibition on exports to Russia of luxury goods
prohibition on imports from Russia to the EU of iron and steel

Russia's military aggression against Ukraine: fourth EU package of sectoral and individual measures (press release, 15 March 2022)
Fourth package of sanctions: 15 additional individuals and 9 entities subject to EU restrictive measures (press release, 15 March 2022)

Fifth package of sanctions (8 April 2022)

prohibition on imports from Russia of coal and other solid fossil fuels
closure of EU ports to all Russian vessels
prohibition on Russian and Belarusian road transport operators from entering the EU
prohibition on imports from Russia of wood, cement, seafood and liquor
prohibition on exports to Russia of jet fuel and other goods
a series of targeted economic measures
sanctions against 217 individuals and 18 entities

EU adopts fifth round of sanctions against Russia over its military aggression against Ukraine (press release, 8 April 2022)
EU adopts restrictive measures against an additional 217 individuals and 18 entities (press release, 8 April 2022)

Sixth package of sanctions (3 June 2022)

prohibition on imports from Russia of crude oil and refined petroleum products (with limited exceptions)
SWIFT ban for an additional three Russian banks and one Belarusian bank
suspension of broadcasting in the EU for Rossiya RTR / RTR Planeta, Rossiya 24 / Russia 24 and TV Centre International
sanctions against 18 entities and 65 individuals, including individuals responsible for the atrocities committed in Bucha and Mariupol

Russia's aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts sixth package of sanctions (press release, 3 June 2022)
Russia's aggression against Ukraine: the EU targets additional 65 individuals and 18 entities (press release, 3 June 2022)

"Maintenance and alignment" package (21 July 2022)

ban on imports of Russian-origin gold
reinforcement of export controls of dual-use goods
extension of the port access ban to locks
clarification of existing measures, for instance in the field of public procurement, aviation and justice
sanctions against 54 individuals and 10 entities, including the mayor of Moscow and Sberbank, a major financial institution

Russia's aggression against Ukraine: EU adopts "maintenance and alignment" package (press release, 21 July 2022)
Russia's aggression against Ukraine: the EU targets additional 54 individuals and 10 entities (press release, 22 July 2022)

More information:

EU restrictive measures against Russia over Ukraine since 2014 (background information)
Timeline - EU restrictive measures against Russia over Ukraine since 2014 (background information)

Eighth package of sanctions (6 October 2022)

a price cap related to the maritime transport of Russian oil for third countries
additions to the list of restricted items which may contribute to Russia's military and technological enhancement
ban on provision ofcrypto-wallets to Russian persons
ban on trade in arms, civilian firearms, a mmunition, military vehicles and paramilitary equipment
ban on imports from Russia of steel products
ban to provide architectural and engineering services, IT consultancy services and legal advisory services to Russia
blacklisting of additional 30 persons involved in the organisation of sham 'referenda' and 7 entities supporting the war effort, such as Kalashnikov

EU adopts its latest package of sanctions against Russia over the illegal annexation of Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions (press release, 6 October 2022)
EU adopts restrictive measures against an additional 30 individuals and 7 entities (press release, 6 October 2022)

Suspension of visa facilitation

The Council adopted a decision that fully suspends the visa facilitation agreement between the EU and Russia. Consequently, the general rules of the visa code will apply to Russian citizens. This will result in:

an increase in the visa application fee from €35 to €80
the need to present additional documentary evidence
increased visa processing times
more restrictive rules for the issuance of multiple-entry visas

The decision entered into force on the day of its adoption and applies as of 12 September 2022.

Council adopts full suspension of visa facilitation with Russia (press release, 9 September 2022)

Non-acceptance of Russian travel documents issued in Ukraine and Georgia

The Council adopted a negotiating mandate to discuss with the European Parliament a decision on the non-acceptance as valid travel documents of international Russian passports issued by Russia to residents of the occupied regions.

Russian travel documents issued in, or to persons resident in, Russian-occupied regions in Ukraine or breakaway territories in Georgia will not be accepted as valid travel documents for obtaining a visa or crossing the borders of the Schengen area.

Council agrees its negotiating mandate on the non-acceptance of Russian travel documents issued in Ukraine and Georgia (press release, 12 October 2022)

How is the EU supporting Ukraine and the Ukrainian people?

The EU and its citizens stand in full solidarity with Ukraine and its people. The EU has taken concrete actions to support Ukraine and its neighbouring countries that are providing protection for people fleeing the war. Measures include:

reception of refugees through the temporary protection mechanism
€348 million in humanitarian aid for Ukraine and Moldova
material assistance to Ukraine and its neighbouring countries through the EU civil protection mechanism
€20 billion to support member states hosting refugees
up to €9 billion in macro-financial assistance to foster stability
€3.1 billion to support the Ukrainian armed forces

EU solidarity with Ukraine (background information)

How is the EU responding to the war's market impact?

The Russian invasion of Ukraine is having a disruptive effect on global markets. World prices for key commodities, such as fuels and fertilisers, have increased to record levels.

The war has also caused uncertainty about the security of the energy supply. Russia, traditionally a main supplier of fossil fuels to the EU, has suspended gas delivery to a number of EU member states, prompting the EU to quickly respond to secure supply in all countries.

Russia's attacks to crops and transport infrastructure have hampered Ukraine's ability to export its agri-food production, which has further aggravated a global food crisis.

Energy crisis

In March 2022, EU leaders agreed to phase out the EU's dependency on Russian fossil fuel imports. In addition, EU countries are working together towards:

securing gas supplies while cutting demand for gas
mitigating the effects of high energy prices on households and businesses
accelerating the transition to clean energy

In October 2022, EU leaders called for new measures to address the energy crisis. These include:

voluntary joint purchases of gas
a new complementary gas benchmark
a temporary dynamic price corridor on natural gas transactions
a temporary EU framework to cap the price of gas in electricity generation

Impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on the markets: EU response (background information)
Energy prices and security of supply (background information)

Food crisis

At the European Council meeting held on 23-24 June 2022, EU leaders urged Russia to immediately stop targeting agricultural facilities and to unblock the Black Sea ports to permit the export of Ukrainian grain. EU leaders underlined that EU sanctions against Russia allow the free flow of agricultural and food products and the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Thanks to the so-called solidarity lanes facilitated by the EU, more than 12.5 million tonnes of grain and oilseed were exported from Ukraine since May 2022. Food is getting to countries in need, in Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

EU countries are responding to the global food crisis by:

providing emergency relief to those most in need
helping developing countries make their food production more sustainable
supporting open and barrier-free trade
collaborating closely with global partners

In September 2022, European Council President Michel co-chaired asummit on global food security, in the margins of the UN General Assembly week during which global leaders issued a declaration stressing the need to strengthen international cooperation and partnership initiatives.

Food security and affordability (background information)
Leaders' Summit on Global Food Security

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Source: https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/eu-response-ukraine-invasion/