Another 15 entities sanctioned by EU

The number of sanctions imposed by the EU in connection with the crisis in Ukraine reached 48 after another 15 individuals were targeted.

Sanctioned entities are collectively responsible for actions that "undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine," according to the EU.

Russia's deputy prime minister Dmitry Kozak, Russian military chief Valery Gerasimov and pro-Russian separatists in Ukraine, including Denis Pushilin, the self-declared leader of the "Donetsk People's Republic" are targeted by the new sanctions.