Russia vows reaction to new EU sanctions

Moscow, Sep 7: Russia government has said it will "certainly" react if the European Union (EU) imposes new sanctions for allegedly "destabilising eastern Ukraine".

"Concerning the new list of EU sanctions, reactions will certainly be made by Russia if they are implemented," Xinhua cited the foreign ministry as saying in a statement Saturday.

The EU Friday expressed the intention to formally adopt Monday a new package of restrictive measures against Russia designed "in view of Russia's actions destabilising eastern Ukraine".

The Russian foreign ministry noted the announcement of the upcoming expansion of anti-Russian sanctions was the EU's first reaction to Friday's talks in the Belarusian capital of Minsk.

At the Minsk meeting, also attended by representatives from Russia and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, Ukraine's government and insurgent leadership signed a ceasefire protocol, which took effect later in the day.

IANS