Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/438 of 23 February 2026 amending Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 concerning restrictive measures in response to the illegal recognition, occupation or annexation by the Russian Federation of certain non-government controlled areas of Ukraine

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 29 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,

Whereas:

(1) On 23 February 2022, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2022/266⁽¹⁾.

(2) In its Resolution ES-11/7, adopted on 24 February 2025, the United Nations General Assembly recalled the need for full implementation of its relevant resolutions adopted in response to the aggression against Ukraine, in particular its demand that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, and its demand for an immediate cessation of the hostilities by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, in particular of any attacks against civilians and civilian objects.

(3) As long as the illegal actions by the Russian Federation continue to violate fundamental rules of international law, including, in particular, the prohibition on the use of force enshrined in Article 2(4) of the Charter of the United Nations, or of international humanitarian law, it is appropriate to maintain in force all the measures imposed by the Union.

(4) On the basis of a review, Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 should be renewed until 24 February 2027.

(5) Decision (CFSP) 2022/266 should therefore be amended accordingly,

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: