European Council divided on procedure for prolonging sanctions against Russia

The EU restrictive measures against Russia may not be prolonged on Monday, a high-ranking EU official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told reporters in Brussels on Friday.

The source assumed that the sanctions will be prolonged fully, but not necessarily on Monday.

The source said such a decision does not have to be made by the Foreign Affairs Council and it can be done by any European Council.

The sanctions remain in place until late January, the source said, adding that there is still time left.