The US and its leading European allies are preparing wider sanctions on Russia’s economy and are discussing a ban on the export of high-tech energy equipment if Moscow is seen to have disrupted Ukraine’s presidential elections on May 25.
The west is still backing the presidential poll to relegitimise Kiev’s leadership, even as separatist leaders in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, asked Russia to annex it, after what they claimed was a resounding victory in a self-rule referendum on Sunday.
The US, UK, Germany and France are warning the Kremlin that attempts to undermine the presidential vote will bring about “phase three” of sanctions. This would take penalties beyond individuals and companies to economic sectors.
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