The European Council officially extended sanctions against Russia for another six months. The 20 last March due to escalation in the Crimea remains therefore unaltered. The formal decision was made this morning.
"Since the Minsk agreements will not be fully implemented by the 31 December 2015, the duration of the sanctions has been extended to the 31 July of the 2016. The Council will continue its evaluation in the implementation of the agreements."
The sanctions against Russia were 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 an asset freeze and a visa ban. Economic sanctions are the last stage.
In response to Western restrictive measures, Russia announced, in August of 2014, a one-year embargo on products from countries that imposed sanctions. The ban was extended for another year.
(image: EU Council)
