EU set to extend sanctions against Russia

Envoys of the European bloc’s 28 member states decided at a meeting in Brussels on Tuesday to extend the restrictions, first imposed after Russia’s takeover of Crimea in March 2014.

The agreement on extending sanctions was unanimous, despite earlier calls by countries such as Italy, Hungary and Austria to consider easing the restrictions.

Speaking at a press conference in Warsaw, Prime Minister Beata Szydło commented on the announcement, saying: “If [the EU] maintains unity and remains consistent in its approach towards Russia, Europe will show its strength.”

Szydło added that any concessions to Moscow would have “a detrimental effect on the security of the European Union.”

The prime minister reiterated the Polish government’s stance that sanctions should be maintained until Moscow has fulfilled its commitments under the Minsk ceasefire accords.

“Poland’s stance is clear: sanctions should be maintained. Russia is an aggressor, it is carrying out military operations against Ukraine, alongside running activities aimed to provoke other countries,” Szydło told journalists in Warsaw.

The decision taken by EU ambassadors is to be rubberstamped by European affairs ministers convening in Brussels on Friday. (aba/pk)

Source: IAR, PAP