Ambassadors from the 28 member states had been expected at a meeting on Wednesday to sign off without any debate on a six-month extension of sanctions against Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

But with the issue proving divisive amid western efforts to enlist Moscow's help in resolving the Syrian conflict, Rome said approval should come from European Union leaders who meet in Brussels next Thursday and Friday.

"It is all up in the air ... It is a matter of where the decision should be taken, with some wanting it to be at next week's leaders summit," one source told AFP.

http://www.eubusiness.com/news-eu/ukraine-russia.15hg/