EU moves to sanction Ukraine separatists

European foreign ministers will hit more Ukrainian separatists with asset freezes and travel bans after disputed elections organised by pro-Russian rebels earlier this month.

But the EU’s new foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini said she wants to relaunch dialogue with Moscow.

“The main discussion today was how to relaunch, or how to re-engage in a dialogue, given that Russia is for sure part of the problem but is also part of the possible solution of the crisis,” said Mogherini.

The list of those sanctioned will be out at the end of the month.

A senior diplomatic source told euronews, however, that the majority of EU member states oppose new, tougher economic sanctions on Russia.

Earlier, the bloc inked an agreement with Ukraine to help reform the country’s domestic policing and security forces.

The EU will send some 50 advisers to Ukraine to help with the process.

EU leaders are likely to discuss the situation in Ukraine when they meet in Brussels next month for a summit.

That two-day meeting starts on December 18-19.