European leaders are poised to hit Russia with the “harshest package of sanctions” ever introduced following Vladimir Putin’s attempt to invade Ukraine.
Amid an international outcry at Moscow’s actions, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said EU leaders would be asked to approve “massive and targeted sanctions” against Russia.
Explosions near major Ukrainian cities including the capital Kyiv – follow live updates
Explosions in Ukraine’s second city
The new EU sanctions would be aimed at “strategic sectors” of the Russian economy by blocking access to technologies and key markets, Ms von der Leyen said.
“We will weaken Russia’s economic base and its capacity to modernise,” she added.
“In addition we will freeze Russian assets in the EU and stop the access of Russian banks to European financial markets.”
Ms von der Leyen said the fresh sanctions – aimed at taking…
