EU sanctions are aimed at members of Russia’s National Assembly who voted to recognize rebel-held territory in Ukraine as independent, as well as 27 people, organizations and companies who threaten Ukraine’s territory and sovereignty, the union’s foreign minister Josep Borrell said according to TT.

Borrell has this to say about people in three categories: decision makers, people in the defense sector and individuals who have spread disinformation. Measures were also imposed on banks that, among other things, financed the Russian military. The European Union has also suspended trade in the affected areas of Ukraine.

The names of the people in question have not been officially announced, but Vladimir Putin himself should not be on the list.

The EU sanctions thus appear to be close to the UK sanctions, which were announced earlier on Tuesday.

Oligarchy

Britain imposed sanctions on five Russian banks, a large number of Duma members and three powerful oligarchs. A statement from Foreign Minister Liz Truss stated that the move was aimed at people in Putin’s inner circle and the banks that had financed Russia’s occupation of the Crimean peninsula.

The UK sanctions were aimed at Rossija bank, IS Bank, General Bank, Promsvyazbank and Black Sea Bank, as well as against three oligarchs Gennady Timchenko, Boris Rotenberg and Igor Rotenberg. They will be denied entry to the UK, and all UK citizens and companies will be denied business with them and the five banks.

Not worry

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday he was not too worried about the announced sanctions.

– Our European, American and British comrades will not rest until they use all their opportunities to punish Russia. They have threatened us with various kinds of sanctions, Lavrov said, according to Reuters.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre (Labor Party) was in Brussels on Tuesday evening. He said that Norway was preparing to join the EU sanctions.

The Prime Minister is open about the fact that sanctions can also mean losses for Norway.

– It is also important for those who issue sanctions. This is a clear escalation and a clear political sign, but we support European countries and stand ready to support it.