The implementation of the Minsk agreements on the settlement of the conflict in Ukraine is not now allows to cancel the EU sanctions against Russia. With such a statement was made on Friday, German Chancellor Angela Merkel following a video conference of heads of state and government of the EU countries.
"Progress in the implementation of the Minsk agreements] is that we recommend not to renew sanctions against Russia," said the head of government of Germany. "So that we in the European Council today agreed that the sanctions would be extended for another six months", – added Merkel.
The validity of restrictive measures against Russia on 31 July. In 2014, the EU imposed sanctions against Russia in connection with events in Ukraine and the reunification of the Crimea with Russia. Restrictive measures has been repeatedly expanded and extended. Was suspended talks on visa-free regime and on a new basic agreement on cooperation, a ban on entry into EU countries for officials from Russia and frozen their assets, the restrictive measures imposed trade, financial and military. In response, Russia imposed a ban on imports from EU countries of a number of food products.
