European Union extends personal sanctions against Russia

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The sanctions, which will remain in effect until March 15, 2019, include asset freezes and travel restrictions.

Commenting on this step, Moscow noted that Russia is developing in its own way and does not pay attention to sanctions.

In March 2014, the EU imposed personal restrictions on Russian and Ukrainian citizens accused of “undermining the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine”. These sanctions have since been regularly extended for six-month periods.

At the same time, the sanctions list was continuously expanded to include citizens of Ukraine, leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics, representatives of the militia, as well as Russian politicians, activists and legal entities. Currently, the list includes 155 individuals and 44 organizations.

For its part, Moscow has repeatedly rejected accusations of Russian interference in Ukrainian affairs, stating that dialogue with Russia in the language of sanctions is unconstructive.