"BREAKING: EU leaders agree on extension of economic sanctions against Russia over Ukraine for six months: diplomats," Reuters wrote on Twitter.
As reported earlier, the sanctions include restrictions on access to international financing, as well as defense and energy cooperation with Russia in response to the annexation in March 2014 of the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea and support of the militants in eastern Ukraine.
Read alsoMogherini: EU to extend Russian sanctions, ready for deal-oriented relations with U.S.As UNIAN reported, on July 1, the economic sanctions against Russia were extended until January 31, 2017. EU sanctions provide for restricting cooperation with Russian banks, reducing imports and exports – particularly those of oil, gas, and arms.
UNIAN memo. In March 2014, after the introduction of troops, Russia annexed the Ukrainian Crimea, organizing a pseudo-referendum on self-determination. The self-styled Crimean government said that 96.77% were in favor of Crimea’s accession to Russia.
Read alsoMan from business: What path will the new U.S. Secretary chooseMarch 18, 2014, the Kremlin signed off the so-called accession agreement for Crimea and the strategic port city of Sevastopol.
Western powers have not recognized the annexation of Crimea and imposed sanctions against Russia. The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has officially announced the date of the beginning of the temporary occupation of Crimea: Feb 20, 2014.
