EU prolongs economic sanctions against Russia

The European Union (EU) has prolonged economic sanctions against Russia, owing to "zero progress" in the implementation of the Minsk agreements.

The European Council (EUCO) also called for the "immediate release of all detained Ukrainian seaman, the return of vessels and free passage of all ships through the Kerch strait."

Donald Tusk, the President of EUCO, made the announcement on Twitter a day after meeting with Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko here, underscoring Ukraine's friendly relations with the EU.

The call comes in the wake of worsening relations between Ukraine and Russia following the Kerch Strait incident that took place on November 25, wherein two of Ukraine's small gunboats and one tugboat were impounded by Russia when they entered the Kerch Strait. Following this, all the Ukrainian crewmen onboard were detained by the nation.

Russia has denied all allegations against it and has mentioned that Ukraine provoked the nation by crossing the Russian Maritime border despite Russia's warning to stop.