Italy requests discussion of Russia sanctions before decision on extension

Italy has temporarily delayed the extension of the EU sanctions against Russia, imposed in response Russia’s role in the Ukraine crisis, by requesting that there be a discussion of the situation before any final decision on renewing the measures is taken. It is as yet undecided by Luxembourg, the current holder of the EU presidency, whether this discussion will take place today at a meeting of ambassadors, at a meeting of the EU Council on Monday 14 December 2015 , or at the EU summit on 17-18 December 2015.

Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi is said to have informally backed the extension of sanctions against Russia at November’s G20 summit while meeting with British, German, and US leaders and the French foreign minister (see previous blog).  A UN report published on Wednesday stated that “There remains…an inflow of ammunition, weaponry, and fighters from the Russian Federation” into contested territories in Ukraine, making a renewal of sanctions likely in view of the EU’s position that the measures will remain in place until Russia meets its obligations under the Minsk ceasefire agreement.