German Foreign Minister Steinmeier says extending Russia sanctions more difficult

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier speaks during a news conference in Tripoli, Libya, April 16, 2016. REUTERS/Ismail Zitouny

VILNIUS (Reuters) - An agreement on renewing sanctions against Russia when they run out on July 31 has become more difficult with growing opposition from some EU countries, Germany's foreign minister said on Thursday.

European Union economic sanctions against Russia were introduced for one year in July 2014 in response to its actions in Ukraine and twice extended in 2015.