The European Council has prolonged economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy until January 31, 2018. This was reported at the official website.
"This decision follows an update from President Macron and Chancellor Merkel to the European Council of 22-23 June 2017 on the implementation of the Minsk Agreements. This paved the way for the renewal of sanctions for a further six months," the message reads.
It is expected that the decision will be published in the Official Journal of the European Union and enters into force on June 29, according to Radio Svoboda.
The EU economic sanctions against #Russia have now been prolonged to 31 Jan 2018. #Ukraine #Crimea
— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) 28 июня 2017 г.
EU's economic sanctions on #Russia will be officially prolonged on Wed & published in EU official journal a day later. #Ukraine #Crimea
— Rikard Jozwiak (@RikardJozwiak) 26 июня 2017 г.
United States, European Union and Western countries introduced sanctions against Russia in several phases: firstly due to the annexation of Crimea, then because of Kremlin’s aggression and fueling of the armed conflict in Donbas by Russian Federation.