The EU has formally adopted fresh sanctions against Russia.<br /><br />It follows a decision by EU ambassadors on Tuesday.<br /><br />The bloc made the move over Russia’s alleged actions in eastern Ukraine, and its annexation of Crimea.<br /><br />The new measures will make it more difficult for Russian state-owned banks to raise funds in capital markets.<br /><br />Member states also slapped sanctions on entire sectors of the Russian economy, including energy and defence.<br /><br />But they also struck closer to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s inner circle., issuing travel bans and asset freezes to three oligarchs.<br /><br />The most high profile target was Arkady Rotenberg, a long-time friend and former judo sparring partner of Mr Putin. <br /><br />He runs a construction company that has a track record of winning major public works projects.<br /><br />Officials cited a deal to build a bridge between Russia and the annexed territory of Crimea.<br /><br />The EU is also targeting major companies.<br /><br />As part of the sanctions on the defence industry, it will target arms producer Almaz-Antey, which makes surface-to-air missiles.<br /><br />It will sanction the airline Dobrolyot, <br />which operates flights between Moscow and Crimea.
