Sanctions over Ukraine to be extended despite Russian cooperation in Syria
As reported by The Wall Street Journal, US and EU are prepared to keep pressure on Kremlin and renew their sanctions despite new Russian cooperation in the wake of the Paris attacks.
The sanctions are expected to be discussed at EU leaders mid-December summit, and the decision must be backed by all 28 member states.
Officials say there is a broad agreement that economic pressure should be kept on Russia until the peace is fully implemented. The options discussed are: extending the sanctions again by another six months, a one-year rollover or a shorter three-to-four month extension to signal to Moscow the bloc's recognition of some concessions over Ukraine.
The White House resolve has also stayed firm. U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said in Berlin earlier this week, that sanctions against Moscow should be rolled over and pledged ongoing support for Kyiv should it "continue to live up to its promises to its own people and maintain the trust of the international community."