Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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348. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the lobbying or representations he has received concerning the forthcoming European Council discussions on renewing sanctions relating to the invasion and partition of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that I have received no direct representations concerning the forthcoming European Council discussions on the renewal of EU restrictive measures against Russia.

The EU imposed targeted economic sanctions against Russia in July and September 2014, in response to Russian actions in undermining Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence and in order to promote the peaceful resolution of the crisis in eastern Ukraine. In March 2015, the European Council took the decision to link the duration of the sanctions to the complete implementation of the Minsk Agreements. Given the lack of progress in this regard, the sanctions were renewed twice, in June 2015 and again last December, when they were extended to 31 July 2016.

The European Union continues to support diplomatic efforts to secure full implementation of the Minsk Agreements. The Minsk agreements offer the only basis for a stable and lasting political resolution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. The key elements of the agreements remain far from implementation. These include the maintenance of a full and comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal of all heavy weapons, free and fair elections in separatist controlled regions under Ukrainian law with monitoring by the OSCE, withdrawal of all foreign troops and equipment, and full Ukrainian control over its border with Russia.