EU continues linking sanctions against Russia with Minsk agreements

"The European Council linked these economic measures with the full implementation of the Minsk agreements," she said at a briefing in Brussels, adding the issue of economic restrictive measures is within the direct competence of the EU Council. Kocijancic rejected the probability the sanctions would be technically extended. "No, this never happens just for no special reason. There should be the decision of the EU Council," she said.