The European Union applied sanctions to 11 more citizens of Russia and Ukraine

The European Union decided to expand the sanctions list in connection with the situation in Ukraine, Reuters reports citing a European diplomat. According to the source of the agency, 11 more citizens of Russia and Ukraine got into it.

“The list mainly consists of Ukrainian separatists. One or two Russian citizens could also get into it,” the diplomatic worker said.

The names of those who fell under European sanctions will most likely become known on Saturday, after the EU decision enters into force.

A preliminary agreement on the expansion of sanctions was reached at the meeting of EU ambassadors on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the decision was made by the EU ministers.

Last Thursday, the representative of the State Department of Marie Harf said that the US authorities have already prepared additional sanctions against Russia , and they can be quickly put into effect. “We have additional sanctions, they are ready to use. We continue negotiations with Europe, and if we are ready at a certain moment, we will do it. They can be introduced very quickly,” Harf said.

The United States and the European Union imposed sanctions against a number of Russian politicians, businessmen and companies after the occupation of Crimea. At the same time, the leaders of the Western countries do not exclude the possibility of expanding sanctions, including introducing restrictions on export to Russia technologies for the oil and gas sector.

On July 4, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov said that sanctions are “offensive weapons” directed against Russia. According to him, Washington believes that "sometimes it is easier and cheaper to apply sanctions than to carry out a traditional projection of military force on someone." Responsibility for the collapse of Russian-American relations, according to Ryabkov, completely lies with the United States.