FX.co ★ EU preparing to extend Russian sanctions

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin is trying to achieve easing of western sanctions amid conflicts in Syria. However, representatives of the EU nations, including Germany and the UK, do not rely on Russia’s help in solving conflicts in Syria and do not want to give away Ukraine. Western politicians still intend to extend and even expand economic sanctions imposed against Russia because of conflicts in Ukraine.
The EU members unanimously decided to extend sanctions, which expire at the end of January. However, France insists on close cooperation with Russian in the fight against extremists. At the moment, there are three scenarios: a 6-month extension of the sanctions, a year extension, and an extension by 3 or 4 months to show that the EU offers some concessions in the Ukrainian issue.
However, the Ukrainian officials are wary of a new wave of military actions, in case the EU chooses less radical measures. The issue will be discussed by the EU leaders in mid-December. It is noteworthy that any decision must be supported by all 28 members of the European Union.
The imposed sanctions have a negative impact on Russia’s economy. The Kremlin offered restructuring the Ukrainian debt to remedy the situation.