The European Union imposed sanctions on Friday against large Russian energy and defence companies, including a subsidiary of Gazprom and the manufacturer of Kalashnikov rifles.
The latest measures, which also target senior separatist figures in eastern Ukraine, came into effect after being published in the EU’s Official Journal .
They hinder access to EU financial markets for energy companies Rosneft, Transneft and Gazprom Neft, as well as defence manufacturers Opk Oboronprom, Uralvagonzavod and United Aircraft Corporation.
In addition, they prohibit the sale of dual-use goods — which can be put to civilian or military use — to nine defence firms, including Kalashnikov and Almaz-Antey, manufacturer of the Buk missile system.
Twenty-four new individuals have been hit with EU asset freezes and travel bans, bringing the total to 119.
They include eastern Ukrainian separatist leaders Alexander Zakharchenko and Vladimir Kononov, the so-called Prime Minister and Defence Minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic; and Miroslav Rudenko, commander of the Donbass People’s Militia.
Sergei Chemezov, the head of arms and technology holding Rostec, and Russian ultra-nationalist lawmaker Vladimir Zhirinovsky are also on the list, alongside other influential parliamentarians.
