"There is no decision yet today, what will be the conclusion of the permanent representatives of the EU Member States," said the source.
He noted that the decision on sanctions against Russia could be taken on December 14-15 during a meeting of the EU Council at the level of Foreign Ministers, or on December 17-18, at the level of Heads of EU states and governments.
Read alsoBiden says cost will rise if Russian aggression in Ukraine persistsThe diplomatic sources said that Italy has blocked on December 9 the decision to extend sanctions against Russia at the level of Permanent Representatives, demanding discussion of the issue at a higher level.
Later today, Italian Ambassador to Ukraine Fabrizio Romano denounced such claims, telling an UNIAN correspondent that nothing “unexpected” will happen on December 17-18 at the EU summit.
Read alsoExtension of sanctions against Russia to prevent Russian offensive: PoroshenkoThe EU introduced sanctions against Russia in 2014 due to the illegal annexation of Crimea and the armed conflict in Donbas. Sanctions are valid until late January 2016.
