The decision of the EU Council on the extension of economic sanctions against Russia until July 31, 2016 entered into force. This is stated in the document published in the Official Journal of the EU.
“Economic restrictive measures against the Russian Federation will be valid until July 31, 2016,” the document says.
It emphasizes that the next reassessment of the sanctions regime should occur before this date, taking into account the degree of implementation of the Minsk agreements.
Moscow is ready to resume cooperation with European partners in all areas, Russian President Putin said in a documentary shown on state television on Sunday. At the same time, Putin criticized the so-called “Euro-Atlantic approach”, which allegedly consists in the fact that the countries of the Old World receive orders from overseas.
Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation:
“It seems to me that the interests of European countries – maybe I’m wrong, let them say then – is to join forces with Russia in the economy, in politics, and in the fight against terror. We are ready for this work. ”
Putin’s statement was demonstrated on the eve of the EU’s decision to extend the sanctions for another six months, punishing Moscow for its policy towards Ukraine. The measures taken earlier relate to restricting ties with Russia in the areas of finance, defense and energy. If no member of the EU declares written objection to the extension of the sanctions before noon Central European Time, they will be deemed extended.
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