BRUSSELS - The extension until March 15, 2016 of the European Union's sanctions against a number of individuals and legal entities in Russia and in eastern Ukraine over the conflict in Ukraine, which are to expire normally in mid-September, is under consideration, an EU diplomatic source told Interfax on Sept. 1.
The decision is within the Council of the EU’s jurisdiction, and it is the only body that can make it, the source said. He confirmed that a discussion on the matter is under way and that the EU permanent representatives could address it at a meeting on Sept. 2.
The Wall Street Journal reported earlier with reference to diplomatic sources that the EU planned to extend the sanctions against some individuals and companies in Russia and in the Donbas territory not controlled by Kyiv until March 15, 2016.
“The European Union is set to roll over until March 15 sanctions targeted against almost 200 Russian and Ukrainian-separatist individuals and firms to maintain pressure on Moscow to fully implement the Minsk ceasefire terms by the end of the year, diplomats said,” The Wall Street Journal said in its article, pointing out that the matter concerned the sanctions that would normally expire on Sept. 15.
It was presumed that the decision on extending the restrictions would be made by high-ranking EU officials on Wednesday and would be endorsed at the ministerial level in mid-September.
