Further sanctions to be implemented

Further EU sanctions on Russia are to take effect starting friday. Although, Brussels does consider a change of policy contingent on the development of the situation in Eastern Ukraine. A Wednesday meeting of EU representatives revealed disagreement in further discussion about sanctions. Finland, supported by Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Hungary have already stalled the implementation of sanctions this week, as reported by Polish Radio. Recently decided upon restrictions include exclusion of three major Russian petroleum producers from capital markets, a block on EU companies' participation in Arctic petroleum exploration and a ban on export of civilian and military technology. A further 24 persons are to be placed on the black list, effectively banning them from entering the EU and freezing their assets. There are conflicting reports on the current state of the ceasefire in Eastern Ukraine. It seems that both sides are recuperating and strengthening their positions.