The Russian President with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu (R) and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L)
(Picture: REUTERS)The European Union is preparing to launch a third round of sanctions against Russia for invading Ukraine, according to reports, after President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hit out at the “insufficient reaction” from Europe.
An EU official, speaking under condition of anonymity to Reuters, said the third round would freeze European assets of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
“We are moving as quickly as we can,” said the official, adding the bloc could also target “many more” oligarchs.
The measures would further eat into Russia’s financial and energy sectors, they said. They did not give more detail or say when further sanctions could be enacted.
It came as people in Kyiv were told to make Molotov cocktail petrol bombs as they hid in makeshift shelters and basements, awaiting a Russian assault on the Ukrainian capital.
Missiles pounded Kyiv overnight and air raid sirens wailed, increasing fears among residents who did not flee the city of 3 million on Thursday that an assault was imminent.
“Make Molotov cocktails, neutralise the occupier!,” the Defence Ministry said, while local authorities told people in the northwestern Obolon area of the city to stay off the streets because “active hostilities” were approaching.
As President Vladimir Putin pursued his bloody war, the human cost was fast escalating with at least 137 Ukrainian military personnel and civilians, and 450 Russian troops reported to have been killed.
Ukrainian forces were reported to be putting up strong resistance, inflicting heavy losses on the Russian army, but then being hit by overwhelming attacks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy called on Europe earlier on Friday to promptly impose sanctions on Russia for launching a full-scale attack on Ukraine, saying the bloc should consider all measures, including kicking Russia out of SWIFT.
