The EU accepted on Thursday to extend its sanctions against Russia as Ukraine's opposing parties declared fresh peace discussions to conclude a rush in fighting between Kiev and Kremlin-backed rebels.

Ex-Soviet head Mikhail Gorbachev alerted meanwhile that the warn of additional sanctions endangered turning the new Cold War atmosphere into a worldwide weakening "hot" armed clash between Moscow and the West. During emergency discussions called after dozens killed in fighting in the east Ukrainian port of Mariupol, EU foreign ministers overcame resistance from Greece's radical recent government to reach a contract to tighten sanctions.