EU to impose sanctions on Russia?

SARAJEVO, (Patria) -  The European Union will most likely impose a travel ban and asset freeze on allies of Russian President Vladimir Putin, possibly even this month, after France and Germany hinted at their readiness to take such steps, three diplomats said.

The sanctions, in response to the arrest of leading Putin critic Alexei Navalny, could be the first imposed under new rules adopted in December that allow the EU to take measures against human rights violators worldwide.

Berlin and Paris could, however, likely withdraw support for tougher measures sought by some European allies, such as halting the operation of the massive Nord Stream II gas pipeline from Russia to Germany.

Pressure to impose sanctions has grown since Moscow angered European countries last week by expelling Polish, German and Swedish diplomats without informing the head of European diplomacy who was visiting Moscow. Paris and Berlin claim they now have to respond.

Poland, the Baltic states, the Czech Republic and Romania have already insisted on sanctions, and an agreement between the two most powerful EU countries means it is unlikely to be blocked by other members. The decision could be made at a meeting of EU foreign ministers scheduled for February 22.

"We can no longer avoid adopting sanctions. There is a consensus, including German consent, to impose sanctions. We cannot respond in any other way," said one European diplomat, Reuters reports.