Foreign ministers of the EU have approved extending the sanctions to Russia

Foreign ministers of the European Union have approved extending the sanctions to Russia until January 31, this means six more months.

Moscow has reacted saying that sanctions are unfounded and that Russia will face it by the "principle of reciprocity".

The sanctions to Russia began in July 2014 due to the annexation of Crimea. These sanctions are focused on the financial, energy, and defence sectors. There is also a list with names of 151 individuals and 37 companies have denied access to EU countries and blocked bank accounts in the European Union.

As agreed by members of the Union, the sanctions will not be lifted until the ceasefire agreements reached in Minsk do apply.