EU extends sanctions against Russia, holds off on tighter measures

PanARMENIAN.Net - European Union foreign ministers extended existing sanctions against Russia on Thursday, Jan 29 holding off on tighter economic measures for now but winning the support of the new left-leaning government of Greece, whose position had been in doubt, according to Reuters.

The ministers agreed to extend until September travel bans and asset freezes imposed last year that had been due to expire. They also agreed to list the names of additional people who could be targeted with sanctions when they meet again on Feb. 9.

They dropped language, however, about drawing up "further restrictive measures" that had appeared in a pre-meeting draft. The bloc's foreign policy chief said a decision on such measures would be left to EU leaders meeting next month.

Germany said that decision would depend on the situation on the ground, with any major new rebel advance demanding tougher sanctions.

Thursday's emergency meeting had been called after pro-Russian militants launched an advance last week, disavowing a five-month-old ceasefire. On Saturday, suspected militant forces shelled the major port city of Mariupol, killing 30 people. Since then, there has been intense fighting along the frontline, although the militant appear to have held back from an all-out assault on Mariupol.

Washington, which has coordinated sanctions moves with Brussels in the past year, said it was not planning an immediate new announcement itself.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki noted that the EU and the U.S. sanctions lists had not targeted exactly the same people, firms, or sectors, and added: "We'll continue to consider others that we could add, but … I don't think there's anything to expect today.”