The EU has introduced restrictive measures in respect of six Russian companies over their involvement in the construction of the Kerch Bridge from Russia to occupied Crimea. Two of the companies belong to businessman Arkadiy Rotenberg, who is close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The list was published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 31 July.
Rotenberg's companies Mostotrest and Stroygazmontazh have been under US sanctions already. Other companies on the EU list include AO “Institute Giprostroymost — Saint-Petersburg”, PJSC Mostotrest, JSC Zaliv Shipyard, Stroygazmontazh Most OOO and
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The restrictive measures were applied in respect of actions undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine, the Official Journal said.
"The construction of this bridge and its official opening, on 15 May 2018, are key symbolic steps in consolidating the Russian Federation's control over the illegally annexed Crimea and Sevastopol and further isolating the peninsula from Ukraine," it added.