Illustrative photo by Reuters

The sanctions on Russia’s banks, energy, and defense, will be extended for another 6 months until next January, the AFP said. The decision, set to be formally signed off on July 12, comes as Brussels says ties with Moscow are “at their lowest point". The EU is currently looking to revamp its strategy to keep Russia in check, with French President Emmanuel Macron arguing that the bloc is "at the limits" of its sanctions policy.