Fact Check: The sanctions imposed on Russia for the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 remain in force and are regularly extended.

Fact Check: "The sanctions imposed on Russia for the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 remain in force and are regularly extended."

What We Know

The sanctions against Russia following its annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 were first implemented by the European Union (EU) in response to what was deemed an illegal act under international law. These sanctions include prohibitions on imports from Crimea and Sevastopol, restrictions on investments, and bans on certain exports to the region (source-1, source-3).

As of June 2025, the EU has renewed these sanctions until June 2026, reaffirming its non-recognition policy regarding the annexation (source-4). The sanctions have been extended regularly since their introduction, reflecting the EU's commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity (source-5).

Analysis

The claim that the sanctions remain in force and are regularly extended is supported by multiple credible sources. The European Council's official statement confirms the ongoing nature of these sanctions, stating that they were first introduced in June 2014 and have been extended multiple times, with the latest extension set until June 2026 (source-3, source-6).

The EU's stance is further reinforced by its consistent condemnation of Russia's actions as violations of international law, emphasizing the need for a unified response to uphold Ukraine's territorial integrity (source-4).

While the sources cited are primarily from official EU communications and reputable news outlets, it is important to note that there may be inherent biases in the reporting, particularly from sources aligned with Ukrainian interests. However, the consistency of the information across multiple credible platforms lends significant weight to the claim.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The sanctions imposed on Russia for the annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in 2014 are indeed still in force and have been regularly extended, as confirmed by multiple authoritative sources. The EU's ongoing commitment to these sanctions reflects its position on the illegal annexation and its support for Ukraine's sovereignty.

Sources

1. Temporary Occupation of Crimea and City of Sevastopol
2. Political status of Crimea
3. EU renews restrictive measures until 23 June 2026
4. EU extends sanctions against Russia for annexation of Crimea
5. Sanctions adopted following Russia's military aggression against Ukraine
6. EU extends sanctions over Russia's annexation of Crimea
7. EU extends sanctions on Russia over Crimea annexation
8. Annexation of Crimea to Russia: An analysis of geopolitical events