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1. It shall be prohibited to sell, supply, transfer or export, directly or indirectly, equipment, technology or software listed in Annex II, whether or not originating in the Union, to any natural or legal person, entity or body in Russia or for use in Russia, unless the competent authority of the relevant Member State has given prior authorisation.

2. The competent authorities shall not grant any authorisation under paragraph 1 if they have reasonable grounds to determine that the equipment, technology or software in question would be used for internal repression by Russia’s government, public bodies, corporations or agencies, or any person or entity acting on their behalf or at their direction.

3. Annex II shall include information security and telecommunications equipment, technology or software that could be misused for internal repression.

4. By way of derogation from paragraphs 1 and 2, the competent authorities may authorise the sale, supply, transfer, export, or provision of the services referred to therein, under such conditions as they deem appropriate, after having determined that this is necessary for:

(a) the functioning of diplomatic and consular representations of the Union and of the Member States or partner countries in Russia, including delegations, embassies and missions, or international organisations in Russia enjoying immunities in accordance with international law;

(b) the provision of electronic communication services by Union telecommunication operators necessary for the operation, maintenance and security, including cybersecurity, of electronic communication services, in Russia, in Ukraine, in the Union, between Russia and the Union, and between Ukraine and the Union, and for data centre services in the Union.

5. The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation granted under this Article within 4 weeks of the authorisation.

6. The Member State concerned shall inform the other Member States and the Commission of any authorisation denied under this Article within 4 weeks of that denial.

7. This Article is without prejudice to Article 2a of Council Regulation (EU) No 833/2014.