EU Releases Names of Russians Sanctioned Over Ukraine

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2014-04-29

The European Union has released the names of 15 Russians who are the latest targets of sanctions due to their roles in the Ukraine crisis.

The list released Tuesday includes Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak and General Valery Gerasimov, the chief of staff of Russia's armed forces.

The United States and the EU issued targeted travel bans and asset freezes Monday. The seven officials and 17 companies targeted by the U.S. include President Vladimir Putin's envoy to Crimea, the chief of the service protecting the Russian president and the head of Russia's largest state-owned oil producer.

The Kremlin is promising a "painful" response.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Rybakov expressed "disgust" at the new sanctions. He told Russian media they are based on "completely distorted" ideas of what is happening in Ukraine.

Japan on Tuesday said it would also deny visas to 23 Russians as part of its sanctions against Moscow for "infringing" on Ukraine's sovereignty. It did not identify those affected.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon says Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoygu has assured Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel that Russian forces will not invade Ukraine.

The two spoke by telephone on Monday, with Hagel wanting clarification on Russia's intentions.

A Pentagon spokesman said Hagel emphasized how dangerous the situation is, and that Ukraine has the right to preserve law and order inside its borders. He reminded Shoygu that Russia faces more isolation if its aggression continues.

Hagel also asked for Russian help in freeing seven European inspectors held by pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Pro-Russian gunmen took control of government buildings in the city of Kostyantynivka on Monday. Separatists are now in control of Ukrainian government buildings in at least 11 eastern and southern cities. They are demanding referendums on whether to secede from Ukraine and join Russia.

A similar vote in Crimea last month led to Russia's annexation of that Ukrainian peninsula.

Source: Voice of America

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