EU formally extends Russia sanctions

The European Union formerly extended sanctions on Russia over the conflict in the Ukraine, meaning they have now been in place since July 2014.

European Union High Representative Federica Mogherini, right, shakes hands with Ukraine's Vice-Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv. Source: AP

The European Union extended economic sanctions against Russia by six months on Monday after completing the legislative process for a decision endorsed last week by national leaders at an EU summit.

Sanctions introduced in July 2014 in response to Russian action in Ukraine will now run until July 31, 2017, the European Council confirmed in a statement.