BRUSSELS, Dec. 15 (UPI) — European leaders meeting in Belgium to address a list of concerns voted Thursday to lengthen economic sanctions against Russia, over its 2014 acquisition of a region of Ukraine and military acts in Syria.
European Union leaders granted the extension after concern was raised by members that parts of the Minsk Protocol peace agreement — which established a cease-fire after months of fighting between Russia and Ukraine — weren’t being fulfilled.
Fighting in Ukraine’s Donbass region began immediately after Russia annexed Crimea in March 2014, an act roundly condemned by the international community. The EU, along with the United States and Canada, imposed sanctions against Moscow the day after the Crimea referendum.
The sanctions will now run for another six months, EU leaders said.
Germany and France favored the lengthened economic punishment, while Italy and Slovakia voiced opposition to the idea because they said it’s costing exporting members billions of euros.
EU leaders also examined Russia’s involvement in Syria during the one-day summit.
An official announcement of the expanded sanctions is expected within the next few days.
