BRUSSELS (AP) – European Union nations have agreed in principle to extend sanctions against Russia for six more months to keep pressure on Moscow to respect the peace agreement in Ukraine.
EU diplomats confirmed Tuesday that the 28-nation bloc’s ambassadors had agreed to prolong the sanctions, imposed over Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.
However, at least one country must first have the move endorsed by its parliament, so it cannot go ahead until that is done, probably by the end of next week, the diplomats said.
Some nations want the measures discussed at a summit of EU leaders.
French President Francois Hollande said Tuesday that sanctions would be maintained for now, but could be gradually lifted if further progress is made on a peace deal for Ukraine.