"I welcome the decision of the Council of the European Union to extend sanctions against aggressor. The EU unity is unwavering. Thank you for unfailing support and solidarity with Ukraine," Poroshenko said on his Twitter account.
Вітаю рішення Ради ЄС продовжити санкції проти агресора. Єдність ЄС непохитна. Дякую за незмінну підтримку та солідарність з Україною.
— Петро Порошенко (@poroshenko) 15 сентября 2016 г.
The sanctions imposed by Brussels provide entry ban and freeze of bank accounts of the black-listed individuals and enterprises. The black list includes Russian officials and celebrities, as well as leaders of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).
Ties between Russia and the European Union suffered a severe blow after Crimea became part of Russia in 2014 and the West accused Moscow of meddling in the conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Aside from sanctions against individuals, the European Union introduced trade restrictions targeting key sectors of the Russian economy which are valid till January 31, 2017, as well as sanctions against Crimea which are in force till June 23, 2017.
Russia has repeatedly refuted the allegations, warning that the Western sanctions are counterproductive and undermine global stability. In response to the restrictive measures, Russia has imposed a food embargo on some products originating in countries that have targeted it with sanctions.
