In the document signed by Trump, it is noted: “I am extending for one year the state of emergency declared in Executive Order No. 13660.” This order was originally signed by President Barack Obama on March 6, 2014.
The state of emergency order allows for the freezing of assets of both individuals and legal entities that the U.S. considers responsible for “undermining democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine,” as well as for threatening its peace and territorial integrity. Since its introduction, the sanctions have been extended multiple times.
The current decision comes against the backdrop of ongoing international negotiations for a peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine. Consultations involving delegations from Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. took place in Geneva on February 17 and 18.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, described the negotiations as complex but constructive, noting that discussions took place in various formats and lasted for two days. He added that the next round of negotiations may occur soon, although the exact date has not yet been determined.
The Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, reported that on a number of issues, the parties were able to clarify the situation; however, the details of the discussions are not yet subject to disclosure. He also characterized the negotiations with the Russian side as “intensive and substantive.”
