EU agrees to impose ‘Azov sanctions’ against Russia – reporter

EU diplomats have agreed to impose sanctions against Russia over the conflict in the Sea of Azov, Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty reporter Rikard Jozwiak has said.

"EU diplomats have agreed to sanction Russia over the Azov Sea incident. Visa bans and asset freezes on around +/- 8 people involved in the detention of the 24 Ukrainian sailors should be formalized in upcoming weeks," Jozwiak wrote on Twitter.

Earlier, January 25, it was reported that foreign ministers of the EU member states will discuss in February the introduction of new sanctions against Russia over its aggressive actions against Ukraine in the Sea of Azov.

On November 25, 2018, Russia in the Kerch Strait carried out direct military aggression against Ukrainian naval vessels and captured 24 Ukrainian military sailors.

All seamen captured by Russia told investigators that they are prisoners of war. International organizations and governments of many countries condemned an act of Russian aggression and demanded that Russia release Ukrainian sailors immediately and unconditionally.