The European Union extended sanctions against Russia for six months by six months until July 31.

The decision was made after French president Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel informed European Council about the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

“Given that the Minsk agreements are not fully implemented, the European Council unanimously took the political decision to renew the economic sanctions against Russia,” the statement reads.

The measures target the financial, energy and defence sectors, and the area of dual-use goods.