The European Union has renewed its economic sanctions against Russia for six months over its involvement in the Ukraine crisis. The 28-member body extended the sanctions until July 31st, 2016, as it assesses Russia’s adherence to a peace agreement in eastern Ukraine. Despite signing a cease fire deal earlier this year, Ukraine says it has still not gained control of its border with Russia.
The United Nations has said that over 8,000 people, most of them civilians, have been killed in the conflict.