On Monday 22 December, the Council of the European Union imposed sanctions on two Russian judicial officials - Dmitry Gordeev and Lyudmila Balandina - for human rights violations and acts of repression against the democratic opposition and civil society.
A Moscow court judge, Mr Gordeev has handed down several “politically motivated” judgements against opposition figures and human rights activists, the Council said in a press release. In flagship cases that have led to the conviction of opponents of the Kremlin or supporters of Ukraine, Prosecutor General Lyudmila Balandina “has systematically abused her position as a state prosecutor to pursue politically motivated charges [...] seeking excessive punishments for peaceful acts of expression”, it added.
Both are subject to an EU asset freeze and an EU travel ban.
Link to the implementing regulation: https://aeur.eu/f/k4o
Link to the sanctions decision: https://aeur.eu/f/k4p
On Monday, the Council of the EU also formalised the European Council’s decision to extend by six months - until 31 July 2026 - all the economic sanctions targeting Russia since 2014 for its illegal military aggression against Ukraine (see EUROPE 13776/1).
The twentieth package of sanctions against Russia is due to be presented in January 2026, with a view to adoption before the fourth anniversary of the start of the conflict. The Commission’s aim is to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin to deprive it of the funds and technologies it needs to continue its war effort.
Talking directly to Vladimir Putin? Asked whether it would be appropriate to resume direct contacts with Russian President Vladimir Putin, following the announcement to that effect by French President Emmanuel Macron, the EU institution said it would “welcome” any efforts, particularly by Member States, to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, has said on several occasions that direct dialogue with the Kremlin is pointless, as Russia is not interested in peace talks. When Viktor Orbán undertook a ‘mission for peace’ at the start of the Hungarian Presidency of the Council in July 2024, the previous President of the European Council and EU High Representative were quick to point out that the Hungarian Prime Minister was not acting on behalf of the EU (see EUROPE 13447/1).
However, no EU representatives were present in Miami for the US-led peace negotiations with Ukrainian and Russian officials. (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)