European Council to decide on Russia sanctions prolongation on Dec 17-18 – Italy Foreign Ministry

The leaders of European Union is expected to consider an issue of continuation of sanctions against Russia later on this week.

"This issue denoted on the agenda of the European Council meeting on December 17-18," Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni told the journalists in Brussels.

Besides, the minister has said he doesn't expect 'big discussions.'

Previously, Italy was against automatic extension of the previous sanctions against Russia, which expire in late January 2016. Rome insisted that this issue would be discussed between the leaders of all EU states.