EU to discuss further sanctions on Russia

Moscow, May 12 (IANS/ITAR -TASS) A discussion of the east Ukraine referendum held Sunday and imposition of further sanctions on Russia are expected to dominate a meeting of the European Union (EU) in Brussels later Monday, officials said.

Pro-Russian activists in Ukraine's eastern towns of Donetsk and Luhansk held self-rule referendums Sunday, a move deemed illegal by the Kiev government and the West.

An EU Council official said sanctions might be applied against 15 more citizens of the Russian Federation and five Crimea-based companies.

The EU April 29 imposed fresh travel bans and assets freeze on 15 Russian officials.

The new list has brought the total number of Russian officials under the EU sanctions to 48.

The US April 28 also announced sanctions against Russia, targeting seven government officials and 17 companies.

Among these officials, two were from Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle.

Swiss President and Chairman of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Didier Burkhalter, will also attend the meeting.

Burkhalter is expected propose an OSCE roadmap for a way out of the crisis in Ukraine.

The document includes measures such as ceasefire, de-escalation of tensions, the establishment of a dialogue and the holding of elections.

President of the European Council Herman Van Rompuy, will also visit Kiev Monday to discuss the course of preparations for the Ukrainian presidential elections scheduled for May 25.

Pro-Russian activists have vowed to boycott the May 25 elections.