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EU to extend sanctions on Russia for six months — source

In 2014, the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over the situation in Ukraine

© EPA/FREDERIK VON ERICHSEN

BRUSSELS, December 14. /TASS/. The European Union will prolong sanctions against Russia for six more months by the end of 2016, a high-ranking EU official told reporters ahead of the bloc’s summit.

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Kremlin comments on Merkel, Hollande offer to extend sanctions against Russia

"Not one of EU countries has voiced concern over a possible extension of sanctions for six months like it was in summer. I have reasons to believe that it will be an easy and fast decision," the source said. "Of course, (it will happen) this year."

In 2014, the United States and the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over the situation in Ukraine. Some of the Russian officials were barred from entering EU counties and the US, their assets were frozen. Besides that, trade, financial and military restrictions were also introduced. Sanctions have been repeatedly extended and expanded.

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