Europe

EU extend Russia sanctions by another 6 months

Associated Press
Published | Updated

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, center, and Ukraine's Vice-Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv, left, wait for the start of an EU-Ukraine summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The EU and Ukraine are assessing their relations during a meeting between EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and Ukraine government representatives. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (The Associated Press)

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, right, shakes hands with Ukraine's Vice-Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv, center, during an EU-Ukraine summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The EU and Ukraine are assessing their relations during a meeting between EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and Ukraine government representatives. At left is Ukrainian Deputy Vice Prime Minister Ivanna Klympush-Tsyntsadze. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (The Associated Press)

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, right, shakes hands with Ukraine's Vice-Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv during an EU-Ukraine summit at the EU Council building in Brussels on Monday, Dec. 19, 2016. The EU and Ukraine are assessing their relations during a meeting between EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and Ukraine government representatives. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo) (The Associated Press)

The European Union has extended its sanctions against Russia for six more months to keep pressure on Moscow to respect the fragile peace agreement in Ukraine.

Monday's official decision came in the wake of last week's summit where leaders already endorsed the move. It means restrictive measures targeting Russia's financial, energy and defense sectors, as well as goods that can be used for both civilian and military purposes, remain in force until at least July 31.

The EU imposed sanctions against Russia in July 2014 over Russia's annexation of the Crimean Peninsula, and added to them after Russia backed separatists in eastern Ukraine.