EC Vice President Šefcovic announced the preparation of the first package of sanctions against Russia

“We are proposing a set of sanctions… The set of measures consists of our first response,” RIA Novosti quoted him as saying. 

Šefčović added that in the event of further Russian aggressive actions, the restrictions would be expanded.

Earlier, British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss signed the first package of sanctions against Russia after Moscow's decision to recognize the independence of the LPR and DPR.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock announced the freezing of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline project.