(VOVworld) - The European Union (EU) on Monday prolonged sanctions against entities and individuals, including a pool of Russian high-ups allegedly connected to the Ukraine crisis, for another six months, until September 15. The sanctions, consisting of asset freezes and travel bans, were last extended in September, 2016, and were due to expire on March 15. The Council of the EU said in a statement that the sanctions now apply to 150 persons and 37 entities. The EU introduced the sanctions in March, 2014.