Reuters: EU to extend sanctions against Russia imposed over the annexation of Crimea

on Thursday, EU leaders will continue sanctions against Russia for the annexation of Crimea and Moscow's participation in the conflict in Eastern Ukraine, said a senior official on Wednesday, reports Reuters.

"it is Highly likely that the European Council confirm its support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, and, as you know, the validity of economic sanctions is linked to the full implementation by Russia of the Minsk agreement, and we expect that sanctions will be renewed," the official said.

Traditionally, every six months, the Chancellor of Germany Angela Merkel and President of France Emmanuel Makron report to EU leaders on the progress of implementation of the Minsk agreements, which are associated with economic sanctions against Russia.

support for the continuation of sanctions in Moscow was expressed by the foreign Minister of Italy, a country that previously provided this almost the strongest resistance. Foreign Minister of Germany Heiko Maas also said that while there is no reason to change the sanctions policy of the EU towards Russia.