EU extends Ukraine-linked sanctions

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Thursday extended by six months the application of "restrictive measures targeting actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence".

The sanctions, consisting of an asset freeze and a travel ban against 146 persons and 37 entities, have been extended until March 15, 2017, the Council of the EU said in a press release.

“The assessment of the situation did not justify a change in the regime of sanctions nor in the list of persons and entities under restrictive measures,” the statement added.

Several EU measures are in place in response to the crisis in Ukraine including economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy, currently in place until 31 January, 2017.

There are also restrictive measures taken in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol, which are limited to the territory of Crimea and Sevastopol, and in place until June 23, 2017.

The measures were first introduced in March 2014 following Russia’s occupation of Crimea, and were last extended in March 2016.

By Ata Ufuk Seker

BRUSSELS

The European Union on Thursday extended by six months the application of "restrictive measures targeting actions against Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence".

The sanctions, consisting of an asset freeze and a travel ban against 146 persons and 37 entities, have been extended until March 15, 2017, the Council of the EU said in a press release.

“The assessment of the situation did not justify a change in the regime of sanctions nor in the list of persons and entities under restrictive measures,” the statement added.

Several EU measures are in place in response to the crisis in Ukraine including economic sanctions targeting specific sectors of the Russian economy, currently in place until 31 January, 2017.

The measures were first introduced in March 2014 following Russia’s occupation of Crimea, and were last extended in March 2016.