The European Community would be inclined to extend economic sanctions against Russia until July 31 next year. This is what emerges from Brussels.
If so, the 20 high economic sanctions against Russia last March, following the escalation in the Crimea, would remain unchanged. The final formal decision will be taken next week by the Council of the European Union.
The sanctions against Russia have been divided on three levels. The first level was formally reached last February with the suspension of visa liberalization negotiations to facilitate travel between the United States and Russia. Second level sanctions were raised in early March against Russian officials, with the freezing of assets and the visa ban. Economic sanctions are the last stage and the last weapon available to the West.
The intention of Europe is to keep the current restrictions unchanged at least until the 31 July of the 2016.
No official commentary from the Kremlin.
(photo: Kremlin)
