Double blow for Putin as EU adopts tough sanctions, Ukraine rebels suffer setbacks

The European Union ramped up pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin by adopting tough new economic sanctions against Russia, as pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine suffered their biggest battlefield setback in months.

The measures, which were prepared in coordination with the United States, include an arms embargo, and a ban on the sale of dual use and sensitive technologies, such as advanced energy technology equipment relevant for deep sea and Arctic drilling. Such equipment will now be subject to prior approval by competent national authorities, an EU official said.