EU maintains sanctions on Russia

The European Union has decided to maintain economic sanctions against Russia, alleging it backs pro-Moscow fighters in Ukraine.

EU spokeswoman Maja Kocijancic said on Tuesday that member states saw “encouraging developments” in parts of the September 5 truce agreed by Moscow and Kiev.

But she stressed that other parts “need to be properly implemented” before sanctions could be eased.

The joint US and EU sanctions on Russia’s largest banks and energy companies aim to cut off the Kremlin from its main sources of income.

The United States and the EU accuse Russia of destabilizing Ukraine.

Moscow has repeatedly rejected any involvement in the Ukrainian crisis, saying the pro-Russia protests in eastern Ukraine began spontaneously against the new interim government in Kiev following the ouster of the former president, Viktor Yanukovych, in February.

HN/MHB/AS