EU delays new sanctions against Russia

Ambassadors of EU member states have agreed to extend sanctions against Russia, but the enforcement of the restrictions has been postponed due to a ceasefire in eastern Ukraine. “The sanctions aim at promoting a change of course in Russia's actions destabilising eastern Ukraine,” said European Council President Herman van Rompuy in a press release. “The entry into force through the publication in the Official Journal will take place in the next few days. This will leave time for an assessment of the implementation of the cease-fire agreement and the peace plan,” the statement said. Van Rompuy’s statement also said that the EU may review the sanctions, both new and previously imposed. According to an unnamed EU diplomat quoted by Reuters, the restrictions may be subject to discussion during another meeting on Wednesday.