Timeline - EU restrictive measures in response to the crisis in Ukraine

The following timeline gives an overview of the decisions taken by the European Union regarding restrictive measures since the extraordinary meeting of the Council of the EU on 3 March 2014, which condemned the clear violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity by Russia.

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2021

EU sanctions eight more people over territorial integrity

On 11 October, the Council decided to impose restrictive measures on an additional 8 individuals for actively supporting actions and implementing policies that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The persons added to the EU sanctions list include law enforcement officials - judges, prosecutors and security officers - responsible for enforcing Russian law in the illegally-annexed Crimea and Sevastopol. Those individuals have taken biased decisions in politically-motivated cases, and prosecuted or oppressed opponents of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol.

EU restrictive measures regarding the territorial integrity of Ukraine now apply to a total of 185 persons and 48 entities. Those designated persons are subject to an asset freeze – including a prohibition on making funds available to them - and a travel ban, which prevents them from entering or transiting through the EU.

EU sanctions over territorial integrity prolonged for a further six months

On 10 September 2021, the Council decided to prolong the sanctions targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for a further six months until 15 March 2022.

The existing restrictive measures provide for travel restrictions, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed persons and entities. Sanctions will continue to apply to 177 individuals and 48 entities.

Crimea and Sevastopol: Council renews sanctions for a further year

The Council decided to renew sanctions introduced in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation for a further year until 23 June 2022.

EU extends sanctions over territorial integrity for a further six months

The Council decided to extend the sanctions targeting those responsible for undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine for a further six months until 15 September 2021.

The existing restrictive measures provide for travel restrictions, the freezing of assets, and a ban on making funds or other economic resources available to the listed persons and entities. Sanctions will continue to apply to 177 individuals and 48 entities.

Misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds: EU prolongs restrictive measures

The Council decided to prolong for one more year, until 6 March 2022, the existing asset freezes directed against 7 individuals identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds.

The restrictive measures against one person were prolonged until 6 September 2021, and those against two persons were not extended.

2020

The EU prolongs economic sanctions for another six months

The Council decided to prolong the restrictive measures currently targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 July 2021. These sanctions were imposed in 2014 in response to Russia's actions destabilising the situation in Ukraine.

Two persons and four entities added to EU sanctions list

The Council added two individuals and four entities to the list of those individuals and entities subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

These measures were adopted in the light of the role played by these people and entities in the construction of the bridge and railway tracks linking Russia to the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula via the Kerch Strait, and further isolating Crimea from Ukraine.

EU renews economic sanctions over Ukrainian crisis for six more months

The Council decided to renew the sanctions targeting specific economic sectors of the Russian Federation for a further six months, until 31 January 2021.

 

Extension of sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council decided to renew the sanctions introduced in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by the Russian Federation until 23 June 2021.

EU extends sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council decided that current sanctions in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine should be extended for a further six months until 15 September 2020. These restrictive measures provide not only for a freezing of funds, but also a prohibition against making funds or other economic resources available to the listed persons. They currently apply to 175 persons and 44 entities, following the removal of two deceased persons from the list.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council decided to prolong for one more year until 6 March 2021 the existing asset freezes directed against 10 persons identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds. The restrictive measures against two persons were not extended.

2019

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 July 2020. This decision follows an update by President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council, on 12 December 2019, on the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements, to which the decision on maintaining sanctions is linked.

EU extends sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council has extended the EU restrictive measures for a further six months, until 15 March 2020. The measures consist of asset freezes and travel restrictions. They currently apply to 170 persons and 44 entities.

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2020. This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 20-21 June 2019 on the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Extension of sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council extended the restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2020.

EU responds to escalation at the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov, and renews sanctions over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council added eight Russian officials to the list of those subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. These new listings have been adopted by the Council as a response to escalation in the Kerch Strait and the Sea of Azov and the violations of international law by Russia, which used military force with no justification

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended until 6 March 2020 the asset freezes against 12 people identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds. The restrictive measures against one person were not extended. This decision was based on the annual review of the measures.  

2018

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 July 2019. This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 13-14 December 2018 on the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements.

EU adds nine people to sanctions list for their involvement in the so-called elections of 11 November 2018

The Council added nine persons involved in the so-called "elections" 11 November 2018, which the EU considers as illegal and illegitimate, to the list of those subject to restrictive measures over actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine

EU extends sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council has extended the EU restrictive measures for a further six months, until 15 March 2019. The measures consist of asset freezes and travel restrictions. They currently apply to 155 persons and 44 entities.

EU adds 6 entities involved in the construction of the Kerch Bridge to sanctions list

The EU added six entities to the sanctions list because of their involvement in the construction of the Kerch Bridge, connecting Russia to the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula. Through their actions they supported the consolidation of Russia's control over the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula, which in turn further undermines the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2019. This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 28-29 June 2018 on the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Extension of sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council extended the restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2019.

EU adds five people involved in the organisation of Russian presidential elections to sanctions list

The EU has added five people to the sanction list for their involvement in the organisation of Russian presidential elections in illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol. Thereby these individuals actively supported and implemented policies that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. 

Extension of EU sanctions over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council prolonged for a further six months, until 15 September 2018, the application of sanctions targeting actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The measures consist of asset freezes and a travel ban applying  to 150 people and 38 entities.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended until 6 March 2019 the asset freezes against 13 people identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds. The restrictive measures against two persons were not extended. This decision was based on the annual review of the measures.  

2017

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 July 2018. This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 14 December 2017 on the state of implementation of the Minsk agreements.

"Governor of Sevastopol" added to sanctions list over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council added Dmitry Vladimirovich Ovsyannikov, "Governor of Sevastopol", to the list of those submitted to restrictive measures over actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

The restrictive measures now apply to 150 persons and 38 entities.

Extension of EU sanctions over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council prolonged for a further six months, until 15 March 2018, the application of sanctions targeting actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

The restrictive measures now apply to 149 persons and 38 entities.

EU adds 3 persons and 3 companies to sanctions list

The EU has added 3 Russian nationals and 3 companies involved in the transfer of gas turbines to Crimea to the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. 

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until 31 January 2018. This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 22-23 June 2017 on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements.

Extension of sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council extended the restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2018. The measures apply to EU persons and EU based companies. They are limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Extension of EU sanctions over actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council prolonged for a further six months, until 15 September 2017, the application of sanctions targeting actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. The measures consist of asset freezes and a travel ban applying  to 150 people and 37 entities.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended until 6 March 2018 the asset freezes against 15 people identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds. 

2016

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council extended the application of economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy, until 31 July 2017. 

This was decided following the European Council meeting on 15 December 2016, where the leaders assessed the progress in implementing the Minsk agreements and paved the way for a further extension of sanctions.

EU adds six members of the State Duma from Crimea to sanctions list

The EU added six members of the Russian Federation State Duma elected from the illegally annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol to the list of persons subject to restrictive measures in respect of actions undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged the economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the  Russian economy until 31 January 2017. 

On 19 March 2015, the European Council agreed to link the duration of the sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements. In July 2016, having assessed the implementation of the Minsk agreements, the Council decided to renew the sanctions for a further six months, until 31 January 2017.

Extension of sanctions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council extended the restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol by Russia until 23 June 2017. The measures apply to EU persons and EU based companies. They are limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol.

Extension of EU sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council extended until 15 September 2016 EU restrictive measures against 146 people and 37 companies, in view of the continuing undermining or threatening of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended by one year asset freezes against 16 people identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds or for the abuse of office causing a loss to Ukrainian public funds. 

2015

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council prolonged EU economic sanctions against Russia until 31 July 2016. 

In March 2015, EU leaders decided to align the existing sanctions regime to the complete implementation of the Minsk agreements, which was foreseen for the end of December 2015. Since the Minsk agreements will not be fully implemented by 31 December 2015, the duration of the sanctions has been prolonged whilst the Council continues its assessment of progress in implementation.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended the asset freeze for one person covered by measures applying until 6 October 2015. 

Extension of EU sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council extended until 15 March 2016 the application of EU restrictive measures targeting action against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence. 149 persons and 37 entities are subject to asset freeze and travel bans under these sanctions.

Extension of economic sanctions

The Council extended EU economic sanctions until 31 January 2016. These sanctions were introduced in response to Russia's destabilising role in Eastern Ukraine. They target certain exchanges with Russia in the financial, energy and defence sectors and dual-use goods.

Extension of restrictions in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol

The Council extended until 23 June 2016 the EU restrictive measures in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol. These measures include prohibitions on import of products, investment, tourism services and exports of certain goods and technologies.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council extended the asset freeze for three persons covered by measures applying until 6 June 2015. 

European Council

Leaders decided to align the existing sanctions regime to the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Economic sanctions will remain enforced until the end of 2015 when the last point of the peace plan is to be implemented: Ukraine regaining control over its borders in the east.

EU leaders also stressed the need to challenge Russia's ongoing campaign of public disinformation about the conflict in Ukraine. The EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, was invited to prepare an action plan on strategic communication for the June European Council. 

EU leaders agreed on the objectives of the Eastern Partnership summit, which then took place in Riga on 21-22 May 2015. The European Council repeated its commitment to the eastern partners and set as a priority to strengthen the democratic institutions to the east.

Extension of EU sanctions over action against Ukraine's territorial integrity

The Council extended until 15 September 2015 the application of EU restrictive measures targeting action against Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence.

150 persons and 37 entities are subject to asset freeze and travel bans under these sanctions.

Extension of EU sanctions over misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds

The Council adjusted and extended EU restrictive measures focused on the freezing and recovery of misappropriated Ukrainian state funds.

EU strengthens sanctions against separatists in Eastern Ukraine

As requested by the Foreign Affairs Council of 9 February, an asset freeze and an EU travel ban were imposed to 19 persons and 9 entities involved in action against Ukraine's territorial integrity.

EU leaders welcomed the results of the Minsk agreement

At an informal meeting of heads of state or government, EU leaders gave cautious support to the Minsk agreement. They indicated that they will not hesitate to take the necessary steps if the agreement is not implemented and the ceasefire is not respected.

Additional listings on hold

The Council unanimously adopted additional listings concerning separatists in Eastern Ukraine and their supporters in Russia. These consist of an asset freeze and a travel ban on 19 persons and 9 entities involved in action against Ukraine's territorial integrity. 

To give space for diplomatic efforts and the Minsk talks, the Council put the entry into force of the measures on hold until Monday 16 February 2015.

Extension of existing individual restrictive measures

The Council strongly condemned the indiscriminate shelling of the residential areas, especially in Mariupol, and the escalation of fighting in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

In response to those events, the Council agreed to extend the existing individual restrictive measures, targeting 132 persons and 28 entities for threatening or undermining Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity, until September 2015.

It also called for a proposal on additional designations for decision at the  Foreign Affairs Council on 9 February 2015.

2014

European Council focused on the eastern neighbourhood

EU leaders discussed the situation on the eastern borders of Europe, support to Ukraine and relations with Russia. They welcomed the strengthening of the sanctions on investment, services and trade with Crimea and Sevastopol.

EU strengthens sanctions against separatists in Eastern Ukraine

As requested by the Foreign Affairs Council of 17 November, an asset freeze and an EU travel ban were imposed to 13 persons and five entities involved in action against Ukraine's territorial integrity.

This decision brought the total of persons subject to EU sanctions over Ukraine's territorial integrity to 132 and the number of entities under EU asset freeze to 28. 

New sanctions under consideration

Ukraine was the main focus of the Foreign Affairs Council. EU ministers asked the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the European Commission to present a proposal on further sanctions against separatists.

Further economic sanctions on Russia

A new package of restrictive measures targeting exchanges with Russia in specific economic sectors entered into force, reinforcing the measures adopted on 31 July.

Special meeting of the European Council

Following the dramatic escalation of the situation, with the presence and actions of Russian armed forces on the Ukrainian territory, the European Council asked for the preparation of new economic sanctions against Russia.

Adoption of additional restrictive measures against Russia

Following the conclusions of the European Council meeting of 16 July, the Council adopted a package of targeted 'economic sanctions'. These measures concern exchanges with Russia in specific economic sectors.

Further EU sanctions over situation in Eastern Ukraine

The Council adopted reinforced EU sanctions. The Council's Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper) also discussed the preparatory work on further targeted measures. 

Council takes action following the downing of flight MH17

EU ministers discussed the situation in Ukraine following the downing of flight MH17. They asked to finalise preparatory work for economic sanctions in four sectors, paving the way for their adoption.

Ukraine crisis: EU broadens remit of sanctions

The Council widened the legal basis for EU restrictive measures making it possible to target entities which materially or financially support actions against Ukraine.

Special meeting of the European Council

EU leaders regretted that Russia and the separatists had not taken the requested steps set out in the June European Council conclusions. They agreed to target Russia with a new set of 6 restrictive measures including restriction on economic cooperation with Russia.  

European Council conclusions

EU leaders set out four specific steps to be taken by Russia and the separatists for de-escalation. They also signed the Association Agreement with Ukraine.

Import ban on goods from Crimea

The Council adopted measures to implement the EU's policy of non-recognition of the illegal annexation of Crimea and decided on a ban on goods originating from Crimea or Sevastopol.

Agreement on a new set of sanctions

In light of events in Eastern Ukraine and the illegal confiscation of entities in Crimea, the Council agreed on a new set of sanctions and took note of the preparatory work done by the Commission and Member States on  possible targeted measures, as requested by the European Council in March. 

Foreign Affairs Council focused on the situation in Eastern Ukraine

The Council decided to strengthen sanctions against persons responsible for misappropriating Ukrainian state funds and targeted additional individuals under the assets freeze and travel ban.

European Council focused on Ukraine crisis and further sanctions

Following the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol to the Russian Federation, 12 names were added to the list of Russian and Crimean officials subject to EU travel bans and asset freezes. In addition, the European Council cancelled a planned EU-Russia summit and noted that member states will not hold any bilateral regular summits with Russia.

EU leaders also requested the European Commission to prepare broader economic and trade sanctions  that could be imposed if Russia further destabilised Ukraine.

Introduction of a first set of restrictive measures against 21 Russian and Ukrainian officials

EU ministers decided to introduce a first set of measures against 21 officials responsible for actions threatening Ukraine's territorial integrity.

Extraordinary meeting of EU Heads of State or Government on Ukraine

EU leaders condemned Russia's actions in Ukraine and decided to start preparing individual restrictive measures (assets freeze and travel bans). 

The leaders confirmed the actions proposed by EU foreign ministers on 3 March, that is to suspend bilateral talks with the Russian Federation on visa matters and on the New Agreement.

Extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on the situation in Ukraine

The EU and the member states who participate in the G8 decided to suspend the preparations for the G8 Summit in Sochi in June and considered possible consequences for bilateral EU-Russia relations.

Furthermore, the Council agreed to swiftly work on the adoption of restrictive measures for the freezing and recovery of assets of persons identified as responsible for the misappropriation of Ukrainian state funds.