The sanctions, including travel restrictions and asset freezes against 150 people and 38 companies, will be extended until September 15, the European Council said. An assessment of the situation did not justify a change in the sanctions regime, the Council said in a statement.

The EU started imposing sanctions on Russia after its annexation of Crimea in March, 2014. Since then, EU leaders have been reconsidering the sactions every six months. Russia has responded by banning imports on EU food products.