Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko will travel to Brussels December 16 for the talks ahead of the decision on the extension of the EU sanctions against Russia.

"Diplomats are holding intensive talks to ensure in the coming weeks a united decision of the EU, to decide by December 17 to extend sanctions against Russia," the head of state said on Friday before the awards ceremony for Ukrainian servicemen on the occasion of the Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

He said that he has already held numerous talks with foreign partners on this subject. "On December 16, I plan to go to Brussels to finally resolve this matter," Poroshenko said.