BRUSSELS 

The European Union on Monday extended its sanctions related to the Ukrainian crisis for another six months.

The renewed sanctions, which include asset freezes and travel bans, target 150 persons and 37 entities the EU says undermine or threaten Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

The sanctions were first introduced in March 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea following an illegal independence vote.

They aim to put pressure on Moscow to implement the Minsk Agreement in Ukraine and work towards a de-escalation in the country.

Reporting by Ata Ufuk Seker:Writing by Esra Kaymak