Restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

Overview

On 17 March 2014 the EU Council imposed an asset freeze and travel restrictions on those responsible for actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. The decision was made after the Heads of State or Government of the European Union's Member States on 6 March 2014 strongly condemned the unprovoked violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by the Russian Federation and called on the Russian Federation to immediately withdraw its armed forces to the areas of their permanent stationing. They called on the Russian Federation to enable immediate access for international monitors. The Heads of State or Government considered that the decision by the Supreme Council of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea to hold a referendum on the future status of the territory is contrary to the Ukrainian Constitution and therefore illegal. Over time, the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures has been expanded by the EU Council. On 22 February 2022, the EU strongly condemned the decision of the President of the Russian Federation on 21 February 2022 to recognize the non-government controlled areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts of Ukraine as independent entities and the ensuing decision to send Russian troops into these areas. The EU considers that this as an illegal act further undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence and is a severe breach of international law and international agreements. In view of the situation, on 23 February 2022, the Council of the EU expanded the list of persons and entities subject to the restrictive measures consisting of asset freezes and travel restrictions. 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. The EU strongly condemned the unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by armed forces of the Russian Federation and the involvement of Belarus in this aggression against Ukraine. In view of the gravity of the situation, on 25 February 2022, the Council broadened the listing criteria to cover persons and entities supporting and benefiting from the Government of the Russian Federation as well as persons and entities providing a substantial source of revenue to it. The Council has since expanded the list of persons and entities subject to restrictive measures. Derogations and exemptions to the restrictive measures are possible, including the delivery of humanitarian aid. Adopted by: EU.

Targeted country

Legal bases

• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine
• Council Regulation concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine
• Council Decision concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine
• Council Implementing Regulation concerning restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

Official resources