Kiev, Aug 8 (IANS): Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseny Yatsenyuk Friday unveiled a package of sanctions his country might impose on Russia over its alleged help for insurgents in the east.
"The cabinet has approved a draft law on sanctions. It is the first time in the history of Ukraine, when our country is forced to impose restrictions against a foreign state," Yatsenyuk told a media briefing.
The sanctions plan, consisting of 26 points, would target Russia's defense, financial, transport, energy and information technology sectors, Xinhua reported citing the prime minister.
According to him, the sanctions will be applied against Russian individuals and companies that allegedly sponsor independence-seeking insurgents in eastern Ukraine and declare support for Crimea's affiliation with Russia.
The sanctions would touch a total of 172 people, Yatsenyuk said, without providing the list of individuals and companies affected.
The sanctions plan needs an approval from the Ukrainian parliament and the National Security and Defence Council to come into force.
Kiev has repeatedly blamed Moscow for inciting unrest in eastern Ukraine, where rebels are demanding independence. Russia, however, has denied the charges, saying the accusations are groundless.