EU Imposes Sanctions on Russian Officials, Singer Iosif Kobzon

Iosif Kobzon (R) can be seen her jointly performing a Bulgarian song with Ataka leader Volen Siderov in a concert held in May 2014 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Photo by BGNES

The European Union has futher expanded the list of sanctions on Russian officials and citizens over the Ukraine crisis.

The list includes Russian singer and lawmaker Iosif Kobzon, who stages occasional concerts in Bulgaria and abroad. He was even part of an election campaign last year held by nationalist (and staunchly Russophine) Ataka party.

Monday's move is a response to the new wave of violence in Ukraine's east which the leaders of Germany, France, Russia and Ukraine are hoping to rein in with the new ceasefire agreement that is in force since Sunday.

Three Russian officials in the defense sector are among those blacklisted on Monday: First Deputy Defense Minister Arkady Bakhin, Anatoly Antonov, who is also a deputy, and Andrei Kartapolov, Deputy Chief of Russia's General Staff.

Kobzon's inclusion is apparently based on his decision to perform in Donetsk in a show of support for the rebels.

The Cossack National Guard has also falen into the list.

Reports of the RBC daily suggest new sanctions should be expected if the truce fails.

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