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On July 29, 2026, the High Representative of the European Union (EU) issued a statement on behalf of the EU regarding the alignment of certain countries with restrictive measures concerning the situation in Russia. On July 13, 2026, the Council of the European Union adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/1709, which amended the sanctions regime established under Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484. The Council added 11 natural persons and 5 entities to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies set out in Annex I to Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484. This expansion of the sanctions list represents a continuation of the EU's response to Russia's war against Ukraine. Nine countries aligned themselves with the Council Decision: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, and Ukraine. These countries committed to ensuring that their national policies conform to the Council Decision, demonstrating coordinated international support for the EU's sanctions regime. The EU welcomed the alignment of these countries with the restrictive measures, noting their commitment to implementing the sanctions in their respective jurisdictions. The decision reflects the continued international effort to respond to Russia's military actions through coordinated economic and diplomatic measures. The Official Journal of the European Union published the decision on July 13, 2026, under reference ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/1709/oj. This alignment by non-EU member states and candidate countries strengthens the effectiveness of the EU's sanctions framework by extending its reach beyond EU borders and demonstrating broader international consensus on restrictive measures related to Russia.

On July 13, 2026, Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1709 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/1484 concerning restrictive measures in the view of the situation in Russia was published in the Official Journal of the European Union. The decision added five entities to the list of natural and legal persons, entities and bodies subject to restrictive measures. The following entities have been added to the list: VK (previously known as Mail.ru group or VK Company Limited): VK is the parent company of Communication Platform LLC, the developer and manager of the state-supported mobile phone application Max. According to numerous experts, the Max application has extensive surveillance features and can monitor communications, including the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), gather data on other applications installed on phones, monitor address books, identify users' locations, and install autonomous updates. Communication Platform LLC: a subsidiary of VK (formerly VKontakte) and the developer and manager of the state-supported mobile app Max. VAS Experts: VAS Experts manufactures, develops, and sells hardware and software related to the so-called System of Operative Investigative Measures (SORM). SORM is a surveillance system used since the mid-1990s to control internet and mobile communications in Russia. Norsi Trans: This company manufactures, develops, and sells hardware and software related to the so-called System of Operative Investigative Measures (SORM). LLC Citadel: LLC Citadel operates in Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod and develops, implements and provides support for software and hardware of the so-called SORM. This decision shall enter into force on July 13, 2026.

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European Union Council Adopts Restrictive Measures Against Russia and Adds Sanctioned Persons and Entities

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Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/1709 Published in the Official Gazette