Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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737. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the situation in the Ukraine continues to feature in discussions at European Union level, with particular reference to the need to maximise efforts for lasting cease-fire and peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28945/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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At the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 June, Ministers approved the roll-over of existing EU sanctions against Russia for a further six months to the end of January 2016. This was in line with the decision of the March European Council to link the duration of the EU sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Restrictive measures taken in response to the illegal annexation of Crimea have also been extended for another year, until June 2016.The package of measures agreed in Minsk remains the best opportunity for a sustainable and lasting peace. The EU continues to press for a genuine and complete ceasefire, the removal of heavy weapons and progress on the political elements of the Minsk Agreements, including arrangements for local elections in eastern Ukraine. The EU is also regularly informed of efforts by France and Germany within the Normandy format to secure progress in this regard, and we continue to closely monitor developments on the ground.