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- Ελληνικά
The first package of sanctions that the European Union decided to impose on Russia is expected to enter into force today, according to a European diplomat.
The sanctions will target more politicians and ban trade relations between the European Union and the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine.
In the first round of sanctions, Russian President Vladimir Putin was chosen not to be included. Instead, it was decided to freeze any assets held by members of Russia's lower house of parliament who voted in favour of recognising the regions, as well as to ban them from travelling to European bloc countries.
Yesterday, EU High Representative Josep Borel announced that the list included 351 Duma deputies and 27 individuals and organisations.
Banks involved in financing separatist activities in eastern Ukraine will also be targeted by sanctions and the two breakaway regions will be excluded from the free trade agreement between the EU and Ukraine.
The sanctions, which were approved in principle by foreign ministers yesterday, Wednesday, and ratified by ambassadors this morning, still need to receive formal approval from foreign ministers.
This is usually a formality and the sanctions will come into force once they are published in the EU's Official Journal, which is expected to happen later today.
[/P]Source: Proto Thema
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