Poroshenko thanks EU for prolonging anti-Russian sanctions

"The EU sanctions against Russia have been prolonged! Our recent active diplomatic work, such as visits to Brussels, Paris, negotiations with Berlin and intensive negotiations with the EU member countries, has delivered the results contrary to the position of skeptics and pessimists. This decision of the EU is unanimous," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook on Friday. He thanked the EU leaders for support for and solidarity with Ukraine. "This should encourage Russia to implement the Minsk agreements and cease the occupation of Crimea," he said. Earlier on Friday, the EU Council approved the decision agreed upon on June 21 by the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the EU countries to prolong the economic restrictive measures against Russia by six months, until January 31, 2017.