BRUSSELS, April 28. /ITAR-TASS/. EU institutions together with the members of states continue to work on the "third stage" of sanctions against Russia, which will affect trade and economic relations. Maya Kosyanchich, Catherine Ashton’s spokesperson said. "At the moment we are talking about the "second phase", the work on which has progressed noticeable. But the work on the "third stage" is also in hand," she added.

Earlier, US President Barack Obama said that the US will announce a new package of sanctions against Russian individuals and companies in the course of the day. He added that the new sanctions are in response to “Russia's failure to uphold an international accord aimed at stemming the crisis in Ukraine”. Obama noted that the sanctions would be aimed at Russian citizens and companies. The sanctions would also affect the export of hi-tech commodities to Russia, the American leader said.

The USA imposed sanctions against Russia in response to its stance over Crimea’s status. March 17, the USA announced a black list including 11 Russian and Ukrainian officials. In March and April, the list has been expanded several times. To date, the list includes several dozens of people, who, as US authorities believe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.