EU Council expands sanctions against Russia

The Council of the European Union has expanded sanctions against Russia for its military invasion and aggression against Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said this on Twitter, Ukrinform reports.

"Member States have agreed to our reinforced, prolonged EU sanctions against the Kremlin. I welcome that. It sends a strong signal to Moscow: we will keep the pressure high for as long as it takes," she wrote.

The European Commission last week presented new proposals, the so-called "maintenance and alignment" package, set to increase the effectiveness of sanctions. These proposals provide for the extension of sanctions for six months, with their further assessment and review in January 2023.

The Council of the EU at the level of foreign ministers adopted the "maintenance and alignment" package on July 18.