The European Union has extended sanctions imposed on the Crimean peninsula for another year, a press release on the European Council website announced Friday.
The restrictions include an embargo on all Crimean products to Europe, a ban on all investment in the Crimean economy, and the export of some goods and services to the peninsula. The sanctions also prohibit European ships from entering Crimean ports.
Crimea formally became part of Russia in March of 2014, following a controversial referendum and military annexation of the peninsula. A package of economic sanctions against Moscow and the disputed territory have been in place for over two years.
The European Union will decide whether to extend anti-Russian sanctions for a further six months by July 1. Given turmoil over a possible UK exit from Europe and economic woes elsewhere, it is expected that the sanctions will be rolled over without significant discussion.
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