The European Union extended part of its sanctions against Russia over Moscow’s annexation of Crimea and its role in the crisis in Ukraine.
The EU’s travel bans and asset freezes, which were due to expire on Sept. 15, were extended for six months and cover some 150 people and 37 entities involved in the turmoil in Crimea and eastern Ukraine.
Following the travel bans and asset freezes, the bloc stepped up sanctions in July 2014, as unrest spread to eastern Ukraine where Russian-backed militias took up arms against Kiev troops.
The conflict has killed more than 9,500 people and diplomatic efforts led by France and Germany have yet to resolve it.