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Ukraine crisis: US steps up sanctions on separatists | Ukraine crisis: US steps up sanctions on separatists |
(about 1 hour later) | |
The US has imposed sanctions against separatists in eastern Ukraine, as the crisis there shows no sign of easing. | The US has imposed sanctions against separatists in eastern Ukraine, as the crisis there shows no sign of easing. |
The sanctions include asset freezes against seven pro-Russian leaders. | The sanctions include asset freezes against seven pro-Russian leaders. |
The move was announced as Western leaders threatened additional sanctions against Russia, which they accuse of stoking tension in Ukraine. | The move was announced as Western leaders threatened additional sanctions against Russia, which they accuse of stoking tension in Ukraine. |
Both Russian and the separatists have rejected a unilateral ceasefire called by Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko, amid discussion of a peace plan. | Both Russian and the separatists have rejected a unilateral ceasefire called by Ukrainian leader Petro Poroshenko, amid discussion of a peace plan. |
'Scalpel sanctions' | 'Scalpel sanctions' |
The US and European Union (EU) leaders have previously imposed sanctions after Russia annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea in March. | The US and European Union (EU) leaders have previously imposed sanctions after Russia annexed the Ukrainian region of Crimea in March. |
On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it had blacklisted seven rebel leaders, including self-proclaimed mayors, governors and commanders in chief of cities under siege by Ukrainian forces. | On Friday, the US Treasury Department said it had blacklisted seven rebel leaders, including self-proclaimed mayors, governors and commanders in chief of cities under siege by Ukrainian forces. |
Their assets in the US will be frozen and US firms will be banned from dealing with them. | Their assets in the US will be frozen and US firms will be banned from dealing with them. |
US officials also said "scalpel" sanctions against Russia's defence, finance and high-tech industries were being considered. | US officials also said "scalpel" sanctions against Russia's defence, finance and high-tech industries were being considered. |
US President Barack Obama had spoken separately to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a White House statement said. | US President Barack Obama had spoken separately to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a White House statement said. |
The leaders had agreed the US and EU would "co-ordinate additional steps to impose costs on Russia" if Moscow did not try to "de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine", the statement added. | The leaders had agreed the US and EU would "co-ordinate additional steps to impose costs on Russia" if Moscow did not try to "de-escalate the situation in eastern Ukraine", the statement added. |
The US says Russia is providing the separatists with military equipment, including tanks, and is building up troops on its border with Ukraine. | The US says Russia is providing the separatists with military equipment, including tanks, and is building up troops on its border with Ukraine. |
Moscow has denied sending tanks or backing pro-Russian militants. | Moscow has denied sending tanks or backing pro-Russian militants. |
Truce | Truce |
On Friday, Mr Poroshenko declared a week-long ceasefire to give rebels time to disarm. | On Friday, Mr Poroshenko declared a week-long ceasefire to give rebels time to disarm. |
He has also unveiled proposals for a peace plan involving decentralising power, holding early elections, and creating a 10km (six-mile) buffer zone on the Ukrainian-Russian border. | He has also unveiled proposals for a peace plan involving decentralising power, holding early elections, and creating a 10km (six-mile) buffer zone on the Ukrainian-Russian border. |
However, correspondents say pro-Russian insurgents show no sign of laying down their arms. | However, correspondents say pro-Russian insurgents show no sign of laying down their arms. |
A senior rebel commander told Ukrainian news agencies the insurgents would not disarm until government troops had left the east. | A senior rebel commander told Ukrainian news agencies the insurgents would not disarm until government troops had left the east. |
The Kremlin dismissed the truce, saying it was "not an invitation to peace and negotiations but an ultimatum". | The Kremlin dismissed the truce, saying it was "not an invitation to peace and negotiations but an ultimatum". |
Tensions in Ukraine rose after former President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade agreement with the EU in November 2013. | Tensions in Ukraine rose after former President Viktor Yanukovych refused to sign a trade agreement with the EU in November 2013. |
The move sparked huge protests that led to Mr Yanukovych being ousted. | The move sparked huge protests that led to Mr Yanukovych being ousted. |
Russia reacted by annexing the Ukrainian region of Crimea, and separatists have occupied parts of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian sentiment is strong. | Russia reacted by annexing the Ukrainian region of Crimea, and separatists have occupied parts of eastern Ukraine, where pro-Russian sentiment is strong. |
Are you in Ukraine? How has the crisis in the country affected you? You can send us your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk using the subject line "Ukraine". |