EU Leaders Extend Sanctions on Russia Until January 31, 2026, Including €200 Billion Asset Freeze; Slovakia Vetoes New Package

European Union leaders have agreed to extend existing sanctions against Russia for an additional six months, until January 31, 2026. The decision was confirmed by multiple EU officials and the European Council President António Costa. The sanctions target key sectors of the Russian economy, including finance, energy, defense, and transportation, and involve measures such as freezing over €200 billion ($234 billion) in Russian central bank assets. While the EU failed to approve a new 18th sanctions package due to opposition from Slovakia, work on this package continues.

The extension aims to maintain pressure on Moscow amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, the EU summit has instructed the European Commission to prepare a plan for financing the bloc's military programs by October. The EU Commission also supports opening accession talks with Ukraine.