The European Union has decided to renew sanctions against Russia for another six months in order to maintain pressure over the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
The unanimous decision was reached by ambassadors from the 28 member states on Tuesday. It must be approved by EU ministers which may happen as early as next week.
The end date of 31 January 2017 will give the EU more time to assess if Russia is abiding by signed peace agreements aimed to bring peace to the eastern Ukraine.
So far, the fighting there has continued. Shelling, machine gun fire and explosions have been reported, but not confirmed, but there have been several deaths recorded recently on both sides.
The UK has been one of the strongest voices in favour of sanctions, but other countries such as Italy, Greece and Hungary have begun to question then.
The sanctions target Russia’s financial, energy, and defence sectors, as well as a number of government officials, businessmen, and public figures.
EU sanctions against Russia were initially introduced in 2014 over the country’s alleged involvement in the conflict in eastern Ukraine and Crimea.
Moscow responded by imposing an embargo on agricultural produce, food and raw materials against countries that joined anti-Russian sanctions. Since then the sides have repeatedly broadened and extended the restrictive measures.
Russia’s main trading partner is the EU, accounting for 45% of Russia's foreign trade last year. It is the fourth-largest trade partner of the bloc after the US, China and Switzerland. Russia is Europe's biggest natural gas supplier and one of its biggest oil suppliers.
Trade between Russia and the EU dropped from $417.7 billion in 2013 to $235.7 billion last year.
Comments
If we cannot universally agree on EU member states sanctions with Russia ... how, in a period of military threat to some members more than others can we begin to stand together ? Without the US and NATO?
The tragedy that was the European indecision over the Yugoslavia break up, with Germany's 'secret' agenda of supporting Croatia, resulted in tens of thousands more deaths and years of continued strife. Finished only when Croatia had established its borders so Germany was relaxed about the US getting involved.
Then factor in whether the US would share its battle plans with a 'European Army' - the recent revelation of Portugal's spy working for years for Russia suggests new plans are now needed. Given Portugal's long held ambivalence to anything European - should it be now left out of discussing any detail? Just given a date and a place to turn up. Or not.
Portugal's recent 'beefing up' of its overseas obligations by around 10 soldiers bringing the total to about 50 is a splendid example of its commitment to teamwork !