EU Council approves sanctions against Russia

The Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union has said it has approved a decision to impose sanctions against those responsible for the developments in Ukraine.

"In light of the developments of last week, and in the absence of any such results, the council has decided to introduce additional measures, including travel restrictions and an asset freeze, against the persons responsible for actions which undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, including actions on the future status of any part of the territory that are contrary to the Ukrainian Constitution, and persons, and entities associated with them," the decision reads.

The council noted the statement of the EU Heads of State and Government of 6 March which set out that negotiations between Ukraine and Russia needed to start within a few days, including through multilateral mechanisms, and produce results within a limited timeframe.