New EU Sanctions against Russia Underway

The EU leadership decided to prepare new restrictions against Russia in case there is need to quickly introduce them. The European Union will prepare new sanctions against Russia in the coming months so that they can be quickly introduced if necessary. The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, stated this in a blog. "In the coming weeks and months, I will take forward the various action tracks that leaders have identified ... The European Council asked the European Commission and myself to present options for additional restrictive measures to be ready in case Russia continues to breach international law," the diplomat writes. At the same time, Borrell will also develop options for interaction with Russia on a number of issues. Borrell was assigned to prepare sanctions following a summit of EU heads of state and government. Borrell noted the need to "maintain a firm line" with regard to Russia, "while maintaining open channels of communication." "It is unlikely that in the near future there will be a political change that will lead to a significant change in her (RF's) behavior," Borrell added. "Engaging Russia is not a luxury and even less a concession," he said. Recall that on June 25, the EU summit extended the sanctions against Russia for the next six months. Also last week, the EU Council extended sanctions for the annexation of Crimea for a year.