Ukraine and four more countries have agreed with the EU Council’s decision to extend sanctions against Russia until the 15th of March 2017. These sanctions were initially imposed because of Russia’s involvement in the violation of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. This was stated in a statement by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, on the 24th of October.

“The candidate countries of Montenegro and Albania, members of the …

NATO warships are monitoring Russia’s naval flotilla as it sails along the coast of Portugal on its way to the Mediterranean Sea where it will participate in military operations in support of the Syrian government, Interfax reported.

Russia’s flotilla includes the country’s sole aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov.

One Portuguese and one Spanish ship are currently monitoring the flotilla.

Similarly, Portuguese P-3 surveillance aircraft are active in the area.

According to Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, the Turkish and Russian militaries maintain an open line of communication and exchange intelligence information regarding Syria, TASS reported.

During an interview with Turkey’s 24 Canali TV, Çavuşoğlu stressed that such "cooperation is beneficial."

"We say that in the context of the Euphrates Shield Operation, we cooperate with all parties fighting against the Islamic State. Now that relations with Russia have normalized, we have an …