(VOVworld) - The European Union on Wednesday extended part of its sanctions against Russia over Moscow's annexation of Crimea and its role in the crisis in Ukraine.

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, in a press conference in Brussels on July 18 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Diplomats said the EU's travel bans and asset freezes, which were due to expire on Sep 15, would be extended for six months, covering some 150 people and 37 entities. Several Russian officials, senators and politicians are on the EU list. The sanctions also target Almaz-Antey, the producer of Russia’s air defense systems, and several enterprises in Crimea.

Earlier, the EU also extended economic sanctions against Russia, which were due in July, for another six months, until Jan 31, 2017. These bans aimed at Russia’s energy, finance and defense sectors.