The European Union has announced the names of 18 former Ukrainian officials, including president Yanukovych and his son, who will have their assets within the 28-nation bloc frozen.
The United States will also impose sanctions, with President Obama announcing the US will impose visa restrictions on those who “threaten the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”. An executive order signed by the President will also freeze the US assets of those who “undermine democratic processes and institutions in Ukraine.”
The EU is holding an emergency meeting in Brussels today in an attempt to resolve the situation diplomatically. In a statement from Brussels, Ukrainian acting Prime Minister, Arseniy Yatsenyuk said ” We are ready for cooperation but we are not ready to surrender.”
The parliament of the autonomous region of Crimea voted on Thursday to hold a referendum for Crimea to join Russia on March 16th. There are concerns about a fair vote being held while Russian troops occupy Crimea.
-Polive
The Executive Order from President Obama can be viewed here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/06/executive-order-blocking-property-certain-persons-contributing-situation