EU adopts a united front to extend sanctions against Russian and Ukrainian rebelss

Europe Correspondent

The EU succeeded in remaining united and extended sanctions against Russians and Ukrainians supporting terror operations in the east of Ukraine, with the threat of EU leaders further ramping up measures at their summit.

There were fears that the new left-wing Greek government would break the fragile unity between countries that support or oppose tougher moves against Russia.

However, during the four hour-long emergency meeting of foreign ministers, the new Greek minister, Nikos Kotzias, was reported to be willing to compromise and the original proposal was accepted with few changes.

Sanctions against all those on the EU list will now be extended until September, and they agreed to work on extending the list over the next week with a view to adopting it at their next meeting on February 9 if the situation deteriorates.

They also left the way open for EU leaders to ramp up economic sanctions to the third level, including against individuals, companies and banks during the summit on February 12.

“These decisions will be taken on the basis of the situation on the ground,” said Federica Mogherini, the EU’s foreign chief who called and chaired the meeting in Brussels.

The ministers agreed tough language against Russia following the targeting for the first time of the city of Mariupol last weekend where 30 people were killed.

They firmly laid responsibility for the escalation with Russia saying it noted the continued and growing support given to the separatists by Russia. They also condemned propaganda distorting the reality on the ground.