EU preparing to extend Russia sanctions for six months

Media sources reported in November 2015 on the potential renewal of sanctions against Russia by the European Union for a further six months. The degree of uncertainty over the subject was based on developments in Syria and the fight against terrorism, which brought Russia and West closer yet again (click here, here and here for more information on terrorism).

US President Barack Obama urged France's president François Hollande to separate the joint effort of the West and Russia in tackling islamic extremism and ISIS from the conflict in Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea by Russia.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: EU leaders seek renewal of Russian sanctions http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-leaders-seek-renewal-of-russian-sanctions/

ESO: Key Source: EU sanctions against Russia over Ukraine crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-sanctions-against-russia-over-ukraine-crisis/

Politico, 23.11.15: Obama to Hollande: Stay the course against Russia http://www.politico.eu/article/obama-hollande-news-russia/

Politico, 23.11.15: Putin wants to turn page from Ukraine to Syria http://www.politico.eu/article/russia-syria-putin-assad-terror-isil-minsk/

The Telegraph, 22.11.15: West 'extends Russian sanctions for six months' http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/russia/12010214/West-extends-Russian-sanctions-for-six-months.html

Sputnik International, 23.11.15: Victor Orban Opposes Extending EU Anti-Russia Sanctions, Rules Out Veto http://sputniknews.com/europe/20151123/1030576009/hungary-russia-sanctions-eu.html

The Wall Street Journal, 18.11.15: Europe On Course to Renew Russia Sanctions Over Ukraine http://www.wsj.com/articles/europe-on-course-to-renew-russia-sanctions-over-ukraine-1447876430

Sputnik International, 20.11.15: EU May Lift Anti-Russia Sanctions by 2017 http://sputniknews.com/russia/20151120/1030483663/eu-russia-sanctions-lift-2017.html

ESO: Background information: [Opinion] The Lure of Returning to Business as Usual With Russia http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-lure-of-returning-to-business-as-usual-with-russia/

Politico, 09.12.15: The transatlantic cost of Russia sanctions http://www.politico.eu/article/transatlantic-unity-russia-sanctions-united-states-europe-ukraine/

EurActiv, 09.12.15: Italy keeps the ball rolling over Russia sanctions renewal http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/italy-keeps-ball-rolling-over-russia-sanctions-renewal-320271

EUObserver, 09.12.15: Italy delays EU decision on Russia sanctions https://euobserver.com/foreign/131456

EurActiv, 10.12.15: Time to reconsider EU sanctions against Moscow, say German farmers http://www.euractiv.com/sections/agriculture-food/time-re-think-eu-sanctions-against-moscow-say-german-farmers-320323

EurActiv, 11.12.15: EU eyes extending Russia sanctions before summit http://www.euractiv.com/sections/global-europe/eu-eyes-extending-russia-sanctions-summit-320344

EUObserver, 15.12.15: Italy clarifies position on Russia sanctions https://euobserver.com/foreign/131514

EUObserver, 15.12.15: Poland and Lithuania rebuke Juncker on Russia https://euobserver.com/foreign/131528

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