Borrell hopes EU's 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions gets approved by Feb 24

BRUSSELS. Feb 19 (Interfax) - The 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions could be approved by February 24, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Monday.

"We discussed about the 13th sanctions package. I hope it will be approved before February 24," Borrell told a press conference after a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

The EU is preparing its 13th package of anti-Russian sanctions. The package could target 193 individuals and legal entities, the EU Observer website said.

The EU has proposed banning EU firms from trading with a number of companies from China, Turkey, India and Serbia under the pretext of their providing assistance to Russia over the situation in Ukraine, Western media said.

The sanctions would affect entities involved in the production of weapons and delivery of technologies and electronics used by Russian defense companies, Bloomberg reported, citing documents obtained by it. In addition, Brussels has proposed measures against shipping companies that the EU says are involved in the transportation of munitions.

Adopting the new sanctions requires the support of all EU countries.