Brussels, 02/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Wednesday 2 September, the ambassadors of the 28 member states of the European Union decided to extend - until 15 March 2016 - the restrictive measures against people and entities that have acted against Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence. The measures, which involve 150 people and 37 entities, were to expire on 15 September, after being extended once for six months on 14 March 2015. A European source has nevertheless told EUROPE that the final number of people and entities affected by the extension of the sanction has still not been confirmed. The measures involve an assets freeze and a visa ban.
Among the people currently sanctioned are Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, First Deputy Minister of Defence Arkady Bakhin, Deputy Minister of Defence Anatoly Antonov, members of the Duma and Council of the Russian Federation, key figures in Russia's annexation of Crimea, and the main leaders of the people's “republics” of Dontesk and Luhansk.
The formal decision is expected to be taken by the Council of Ministers of the EU by 15 September, once the technical and legal work is finished. (Camille-Cerise Gessant)