The EU is imposing sanctions on Russia for its actions against Donbas
20:34
During an extraordinary meeting in Paris, the foreign ministers of the member states approved new sanctions against Russia and those responsible for the current crisis around Donbas. The restrictions concern, inter alia, Russian banks and restricting Russia's access to European markets and financial services.
Although Russian President Vladimir Putin himself is not among those targeted by the sanctions, they are still the most comprehensive sanctions that the EU has imposed on Russia.
"These sanctions will be severe," assured the EU High Representative for International Policy and Security Josep Borrell and emphasized that, following EU procedures, the decision on sanctions was taken unanimously.
On the other hand, Jean-Yves Le Drian, the minister of foreign affairs currently holding the EU presidency, indicated that this was only "the first package of sanctions". And he emphasized that the EU was coordinating its actions in this matter with its allies – the USA, Great Britain, and Canada.
