The European Union has sanctioned more Russian companies involved in the construction of the Kerch Strait Bridge linking Russia with the Crimean Peninsula.
Newly placed on the list – now 44 companies in all – are the three firms PJSC Mostotrest, SGM and Stroygazmontazh Most OOO controlled by billionaire Arkady Rotenberg, a close friend of Russian president Vladimir Putin. Others are construction firm CJSC VAD, engineering firm GPSM and the Zaliv Shipyard.
Russia seized the Crimea region from the Ukraine in March 2014 and continues to support separatist movements in eastern Ukraine.
“Through their actions they supported the consolidation of Russia’s control over the illegally annexed Crimean peninsula, which in turn further undermines the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine,” the European Council said.
The assets have been frozen of the 44 companies which contributed to construction and maintenance of the 19-km road and rail bridge project that opened in May. Cost of the bridge consisting of a four-lane highway and two rail lines was around US$3.7 billion, according to media reports.
A Russian foreign ministry spokesperson reportedly called the added sanctions a “subversive policy directed against the residents of Crimea”.
