Czech PM Sobotka says no rush to extend Russian sanctions

The Czech Republic is for the extension of European Union sanctions against Russia but does not see an immediate need to take the decision, Czech prime minister Bohuslav Sobotka said on Thursday. Sobotka was speaking at the start of a two day European Union summit in Brussels. Countries appeared split on whether to immediately extend sanctions over Russian aggression in Ukraine. A group of countries including Germany and Britain were reportedly pressing for an immediate decision but Sobotka added that delay might be a better tactical step for the EU. The sanctions imposed last summer are due to expire on July 31. The Czech Republic has been overwhelmingly cautious over the last year about increasing pressure on Moscow.

Author: Chris Johnstone