On October 17, Monday, EU foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini downplayed negotiations over new Russia sanctions amid a situation in Syria. The official reiterated that no EU leader proposed a ban on the Russian Federation despite statements in the media. The same day, a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers took place in Luxembourg. Ministers were analyzing the current situation in Syria, developing a global strategy to provide external security and discussing ways of the strategy implementation. Earlier it was reported that limitations on aircraft manufacture and defense industry could be placed during the European Council meeting scheduled for October 20-21. German Chancellor Angela Merkel supports sanctions introduction. US President Barack Obama is also ready to support the ban if all EU member countries will agree on the topic.