The EU will continue sanctions on Russia in efforts to maximise pressure on the Kremlin to implement its side of the Minsk cease-fire agreement reports the Wall Street Journal.
A political decision confirming the sanctions is expected to be taken by the bloc of countries at a summit on June 25-26.
The plans will see previously approved restrictions on financial, energy and defence links with Russia continued whilst also implementing targeted travel bans and asset freezes on individual Russians and Ukrainian separatists.