EU broadens sanctions for Ukraine crisis

The European Union (EU) Monday added 13 people to the list of those subject to targeted sanctions for alleged actions "undermining Ukraine's territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence".

The 13 additional people will be targeted with a travel ban and a freeze of their assets within the EU, Xinhua cited an EU statement Monday.

This brings to 61 those subject to sanctions in connection with the Ukraine crisis.

At the same time, two confiscated entities in Crimea and Sevastopol will be subject to an assets freeze.

The EU decided to widen the scope of restrictive measures in the light of the recent developments in Ukraine and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the statement said.

Local residents in Donetsk and Lugansk went to the polls Sunday in referendums aimed at seeking independence from Ukraine.

Ukrainian authorities and some Western countries denounced the controversial referendums as "illegal," while Russia said it respects the choice of people in the two Ukrainian regions.