European Union envoys have agreed to prolong their bloc’s economic sanctions against Russia for six months. The bans are aimed at curbing Russia’s influence in eastern Europe, particularly in Ukraine.
Brussels-based ambassadors of the European Union’s 28-member bloc agreed to roll over tough economic sanctions against Russia on Tuesday, diplomatic sources said.
The six-month extension involves the harsh oil, financial and defense sanctions imposed on Moscow. They hinder Russian imports into the EU as well as Russian banks’ access to markets in Europe.
This strict set of sanctions was due to expire in July, but will now run until January 2017. The decision will now pass to ministers for formal approval on Friday.
Source: http://www.dw.com/en/eu-to-extend-russia-economic-sanctions-for-another-six-months/a-19345180
