EU Hits Russia With New Sanctions as Ukraine Looks West
The sanctions come as both sides in the Ukraine conflict exchange prisoners.
Tough new EU sanctions came into effect against Russia over the Ukraine conflict on Friday, with Moscow accusing its foes of trying to derail the push for peace in the former Soviet state.
US President Barack Obama has also announced that Washington will intensify punitive measures to further isolate the Kremlin over its “illegal actions” in Ukraine, sending East-West relations spiralling further downward.
The Western actions come despite a fragile ceasefire signed by Kiev and pro-Russian separatists a week ago that appears to have largely halted the deadly fighting across eastern Ukraine.
More: EU Hits Russia With New Sanctions as Ukraine Looks West