Ukraine urges new sanctions on Russia over rebel documents recognition

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on Tuesday has called on the European Union (EU) to consider fresh sanctions against Russia over Moscow's decision to recognize identification documents issued by the authorities of pro-independence insurgents in eastern Ukraine.

"We think it is an extremely alarming phenomenon that requires decisive action up to the enhancement of sanctions," Poroshenko was quoted by his press service as saying during the meeting with the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides.

The recognition of the documents issued by the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Lugansk People's Republics is incompatible with the implementation of the Minsk agreements, Poroshenko said.

Last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed an executive order on temporarily recognizing identification documents issued by eastern Ukrainian authorities to permanent residents.

Kremlin said the order, which will stay in force until the Minsk deal on Ukrainian settlement is implemented, is aimed at protecting the rights and freedoms of individuals.

The EU slapped the sanctions on Russia in 2014 over Moscow's alleged role in the conflict in east Ukraine. Russia, who has denied the involvement in the confrontation, imposed an embargo on food imports from Western countries in response. Endit