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Russia says EU 'against peace' as US backs new sanctions

The Russian Foreign Ministry said the European Union has "made its choice against" a peace process in Ukraine by approving tougher sanctions against Russia.

President Barack Obama said the United States will join the EU in imposing sanctions on Russia's financial, energy and defence sectors after Moscow sent troops into eastern Ukraine last month.

David Cameron has spoken to European leaders and agreed to push ahead with the sanctions by the end of the week, his spokesman has confirmed.

After the announcement the Russian rouble reached a new historic low against the dollar.

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Rouble hits historic low after sanctions confirmed

A bank teller counts roubles. Credit: Reuters

The Russian rouble reached a new historic low against the dollar shortly after David Cameron said the European Union would introduce new sanctions against Russia on Friday.

At 1108 GMT the rouble was trading at 31.54, below its previous historic low of 37.51.

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