EU intensifies sanctions on Russia, Moscow retaliates with travel ban on European figures

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- It's been two years since Vladimir Putin initiated a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The European Union continues to apply pressure on Russia. We are intensifying restrictive measures against the Russian defence and military sectors today, targeting additional entities in third-party countries that supply equipment, as well as entities accountable for the unlawful deportation and military re-education of Ukrainian children," stated the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Josep Borrell.

The Council resolved to impose restrictive measures on an extra 106 individuals and 88 entities responsible for acts undermining the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.

The Council has added 27 new entities to the register of those directly backing the Russian military-industrial complex in the war against Ukraine. These entities will face sterner export restrictions. Additionally, Friday's decision broadens the list of products subject to restrictions used to fabricate unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The European Union's decision has already been met with a counter-response by Moscow. The Russian Foreign Ministry has announced its sanctions.

"To counter these unneighbourly actions, the Russian side has considerably broadened the list of representatives of European institutions and EU member states who (...) are forbidden from entering our country's territory," reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The travel ban to Russia is applicable to representatives of law enforcement bodies and private organisations of the EU countries, citizens of EU member states responsible for providing military support to Ukraine. The Russian list also includes representatives of the Council of Europe and members of the legislative assemblies of the European Union.