EU slaps sanctions on Russian officials, entity over Navalny case

BRUSSELS－The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed sanctions on six Russians, some among the highest-ranking officials in the nation, and one organization over the alleged "assassination attempt" on Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny with a Soviet-era nerve agent.

Foreign Minister Heiko Maas of Germany, which holds the European Union's rotating presidency, said on Thursday that "only with a clear position and by sticking to principles can we as the European Union make progress with respect to Russia".

The sanctions consist of a travel ban to the EU and an asset freeze for individuals and the targeted organization, the EU said.