Although Ukraine and Russian-supported separatist groups in its Eastern part agreed on a permanent cease-fire in Donbass, the European Union continues its preparatory work for the adoption of further anti-Russia sanctions. Speaking at the North Atlantic Council meeting in Wales on Friday 5 September, leaders stated that sanctions will be adopted, unless the cease-fire proves to be truly permanent. Apart from the agreed NATO measures to create a military body of ultra-fast reaction as part of its rapid-reaction force and to increase military presence in Eastern NATO states, the EU prepares further economic measures against Russia. The ambassadors of the 28 Member States have already adopted a list, which includes mainly more names to be added to the visa-ban and asset-freeze list, export ban on more dual-use goods and more oil-mining products. Also, some Russian enterprises are to be cut from EU financial market. These measures were agreed despite opposition of certain Central European states, namely the Czech Republic or Slovakia.

In addition to these negotiated measures, France responded to its Allies´ concerns and froze the delivery of two French-made modern warships to Russia. President Hollande refused to take this step in the past, all past sanctions did not mention the two Mistral-class ships, but he changed his mind recently.

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