BRUSSELS -- European Union leaders agreed to extend sanctions imposed on Russia for another 12 months, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Friday.
The decision, taken at an EU summit in Brussels, marks the first time the bloc has renewed its economic sanctions package for a full year. Previously, the measures had been extended every six months.
Ukraine opened negotiations this month on the first cluster of its accession talks with the EU, and von der Leyen said the bloc aimed to open additional clusters in the near future.
"These two send a very strong message, and we continue our work to finalize the 21st package of sanctions. These are hard-biting sanctions that will keep the pressure on Russia," von der Leyen told a press conference after the summit.
The European Council also adopted joint conclusions on Ukraine endorsed by all 27 EU leaders for the first time since December 2024, according to European Council President Antonio Costa at the press conference.
