EU Puts off Fresh Russia Sanctions Awaiting Minsk Talks

The European Union decided Monday to hold off temporarily on slapping sanctions on more Russians and Ukrainian separatists and await the outcome of possible peace talks later this week.

With the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine due to hold negotiations in Minsk, Belarus, on Wednesday, the EU has held off placing asset freezes and travel bans on 19 more individuals, including five Russians, for their actions in eastern Ukraine. It said the situation would be reviewed Monday.

As the debate continued in Washington on whether to send weapons to the embattled Ukrainian military, most EU ministers said now is not the time to risk escalating tensions.

Britain as well agreed to hold off for now.