Putin extended sanctions against EU for a year

Russia extends counter-sanctions against countries of the European Union after the political block extended restrictive measures against Moscow.

It has been stated on Wednesday by Russia’s president Vladimir Putin, “Interfax” writes.

“The chairman of the government addressed a letter to me asking to extend the measures that we had taken in response to the actions of our partners from several countries. Today, in accordance with this letter, I have signed a decree on extending certain special economic measures in order to ensure the safety of the Russian Federation, and I ask the government to prepare and publish a corresponding decree as soon as possible,” Putin said at the session with the members of the government.

We remind that previously the European Union passed a decision to extend the economic sanctions against Russia until January 31, 2016. The sanctions of the EU limit financing of major Russian banks, ban exports of hi-tech equipment in the energy sphere, as well as sale of arms and some kinds of dual-use products.

The additional “black list” which remains in force until September 15, concerns freezing of assets and imposes ban on entering the EU countries for 151 persons and 37 companies and organisations, which are charged with destabilizing the situation in Ukraine by the EU.