The European Union is extending for six months the sanctions targeting people and entities involved in what the EU considers Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine. The extension, officially announced Thursday, consists of an asset freeze and a ban on EU travel, and affects 146 individuals and 37 entities.
The measures, originally introduced in 2014, were last extended in March, the EU said in a statement. The latest action endorsed by representatives from the 28 EU member states means the punitive measures can remain in force through March 15, 2017.
On September 1, the United States has added 37 individuals and entities to its sanctions blacklist aimed at Russia over its continuing support for separatists in eastern Ukraine and the 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula. The United States blacklisted a number of Russian companies operating in Crimea, including construction firms Mostotrest and SGM-Most which have been helping to build a bridge from Russia to the peninsula. Six separatist representatives in eastern Ukraine and 11 officials in Crimea were also sanctioned.