EU member states on Monday formally approved a six-month extension of sanctions against Ukrainian and Russian figures accused of backing pro-Moscow separatists fighting to break away from Kiev.

"The assessment of the situation did not justify a change in the regime of sanctions nor in the list of persons and entities under restrictive measures," the EU's Council of Ministers said in a statement.

"The asset freeze and travel bans against 149 persons and 37 entities have been extended until 15 March 2016."