European Union adds 13 people, 2 firms to Ukraine list

BRUSSELS: European Union foreign ministers have added 13 people to their visa ban and asset freeze list over Ukraine's crisis but are not expected to decide whether to impose tough economic measures on Russia before Ukraine's May 25 elections, officials said.

The 28 EU ministers also said in a statement yesterday that two firms in Russia-annexed Crimea would be hit with asset freezes.

The ministers agreed to expand the scope of visa bans and asset freezes to target people undermining stability in Ukraine or obstructing international organisations there.

The Obama administration has its own sanctions list that targets several close associates of Russian President Vladimir Putin and their assets for Russia's actions in Ukraine.

France's European affairs minister, Harlem Desir, said additional EU sanctions may be imposed if "actions and provocations" hamper the Ukraine presidential election campaign. He said the 13 people targeted yesterday included "Ukrainian separatists and Russian officials."

The targets of the new sanctions include Russia's top prosecutor in Crimea; the commander of Russian airborne troops; a member of Putin's staff, and people identified by the EU as leaders of the armed pro-Moscow revolt in eastern Ukraine.

A total of 61 people are now on the EU's sanctions list due to Ukraine.

The two companies sanctioned, Chernomorneftgaz and Fedosia, have been effectively confiscated by the new leaders in Crimea following a resolution by the pro-Russian local parliament that proclaimed the appropriation of their assets, the EU said.

Beyond the visa and asset measures, British Foreign Secretary William Hague said it is essential to show Moscow the bloc is ready to step up measures further "depending on Russia's attitude toward the elections" in Ukraine.

France and Germany had already called on Russia to promote de-escalation in Ukraine so its presidential elections could take place May 25.

If there is no action from President Vladimir Putin, the EU could increase sanctions, the two nations said.

The EU threw its weight behind efforts of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe set up talks in Ukraine to contain the chaos and violence.

France and Germany have already called for a "national dialogue" between the interim government in Kiev and representatives of all Ukrainian regions