The EU will extend sanctions for another six months against Ukrainian and Russian figures accused of backing pro-Moscow rebels fighting for independence from Kiev, EU sources said Wednesday.

"There is a political agreement; (officials) agreed to extend the sanctions for six months to March next year," one source told AFP after a meeting of diplomats from European Union nations to discuss the sanctions.

The 28-nation bloc has imposed asset freezes and travel bans on some 150 individuals and nearly 40 entities which were due to expire on September 15.