EU to add 168 Russian defense cos to sanctions list - European Commission VP

BRUSSELS. Dec 16 (Interfax) - The latest sanctions to be imposed by the European Union will apply to 168 Russian companies associated with the defense industry, European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis said on Friday.

"Main restrictions are against 168 entities linked to Russian military-industrial complex," Dombrovskis said on Twitter.

Hence, the number of legal entities listed in the context of anti-Russian sanctions will reach 410, he said.

The ninth package of EU sanctions will also ban investment in services provided by Russian businesses, including advertising, market research and opinion polls, Dombrovskis said.

There will be restrictions on the exports of drones and drone parts, electronic products, IT equipment and chemicals, alongside banking and investment in Russia's energy and mining sectors, he said.

On Thursday, representatives of EU member states agreed on the ninth package of sanctions against Russia. The Czech presidency of the European Union is expecting the package to be approved later on Friday.