Washington has reacted positively approval to European Union sanctions related to Crimean trade and investment.

"The United States welcomes the EU's announcement of further sanctions on investment, services and trade with Crimea and Sevastopol," U.S. Department of State Spokesperson Jennifer Psaki said at a daily briefing on Thursday.

She condemned Russia's occupation and annexation of Crimea, which Washington does not and will not recognize.

"The purpose of targeted sanctions is to make clear that there are costs attached to Russia's ongoing violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Crimea is part of Ukraine," Psaki stressed.

She also said that Washington is prepared to lift sanctions if Russia implements its Minsk commitments.

"The sanctions have been put in place in order to place costs on their actions – the aggressive actions of Russia against Ukraine, we've been clear that that is the sole purpose, is to push Russia to restore Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity," she said.

She expressed concern over Russia humanitarian convoys that cross the Ukrainian border without Ukraine's government permission.

"We have remaining concerns about convoys labeled as humanitarian going across the border where we don't know they contain, and it's not always with the approval of the Ukrainian Government," she said.

As reported, the Council of the European Union on Thursday approved substantial additional sanctions on investment, services and trade with Crimea and Sevastopol.

"From December 20, investment in Crimea or Sevastopol is outlawed. Europeans and EU-based companies may no longer buy real estate or property in Crimea, finance Crimean companies or supply related services," the press service of the EU Council said.