Sanctions against Russia extended.

[BillyB]

The EU approves sanctions against Russia for 6 more months. They don't feel Russia has done enough to get out of Ukraine.

http://www.yahoo.com/news/eu-approves-6-month-russia-sanctions-rollover-104809350.html

[mendeleyev]

Recently at the St Petersburg Economic forum Mr. Putin appeared optimistic that sanctions might be lifted. However, the EU has taken a carrot on a stick approach, hinting that sanctions could be slowly peeled back if certain actions were taken regarding Russia's role in Eastern Ukraine.

[Anotherkiwi]

Recently at the St Petersburg Economic forum Mr. Putin appeared optimistic that sanctions might be lifted. However, the EU has taken a carrot on a stick approach, hinting that sanctions could be slowly peeled back if certain actions were taken regarding Russia's role in Eastern Ukraine.

Like leaving?    And rebuilding what they've destroyed (e.g. Donetsk airport)?  And restoring the COMPLETE border?  And taking responsibility for downing MH17?

Nah.  Didn't think so. 

[BillyB]

Like leaving?    And rebuilding what they've destroyed (e.g. Donetsk airport)?  And restoring the COMPLETE border?  And taking responsibility for downing MH17?

The EU would be happy if Russia just leaves. As uncooperative as Russia is, the EU expects to rebuild East Ukraine on their dime.

What about the issue of Crimea? The EU said they would never recognize Russia's claims to Crimea but it seems the EU is only requiring Russia to honor the Minsk 2 agreement to get the sanctions lifted.

[TigerPaws]

The EU would be happy if Russia just leaves. As uncooperative as Russia is, the EU expects to rebuild East Ukraine on their dime.

What about the issue of Crimea? The EU said they would never recognize Russia's claims to Crimea but it seems the EU is only requiring Russia to honor the Minsk 2 agreement to get the sanctions lifted.

Unless of course Russia simply waits for the EU to collapse, there are 5 member countries now openly discussing holding a referendum. 
France’s Front National (FN) hailed Brexit as a clear boost for Marine Le Pen’s presidential bid next spring, as well as a move that gave momentum to the party’s anti-Europe and anti-immigration line.
 “Victory for Freedom! As I have been asking for years, we must now have the same referendum in France and EU countries,” Le Pen wrote.

She has promised to hold elections on EU membership should she be elected. How long will the EU survive if several more member states decide to leave?

[msmobyone]

What about the issue of Crimea? The EU said they would never recognize Russia's claims to Crimea but it seems the EU is only requiring Russia to honor the Minsk 2 agreement to get the sanctions lifted.

There are TWO lots of Sanctions..

The EU renewed their sanctions on Crimea and Sevastopol earler in June...