Fresh sanctions against Ukranian targets have emanated from the European Union and Canada. The EU sanctions, as ever, apply to citizens of and companies established in the EU, and any business done in part there (perhaps by the EU branches of banks from outside, which are included also).

The European Union's Council Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/240 of 9 February 2015 took effect on 16 February and mainly lists the names of proscribed separatists.

Alexandr Shubin, the so-called ‘Minister of Justice’ of the illegal ‘Luhansk People's Republic’ is on the list, as are various other government men including the commander of the armed forces, Sergey Ignatov. In taking on their jobs, say the great powers, they hae therefore actively supported actions and policies which undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine and help to destabilise the country. It seems only a matter of time before the new republic's HR manager and other lowly functionaries feel the wrath of the Western Europeans.

On a more financial note, wherever there are new states there are new opportunities for 'dodgy' currency, passports, visas and identities. The sliver-like republic of Transnistria, which huddles on the border between the Ukraine and Moldova, is a case in point. Money-laundering reporting officers might not be surprised to encounter citizens of this new state with money to hide.

Aleksandr Timofeev, the ‘Minister of Budget’ of the ‘Donetsk People's Republic’, whose flag is pictured, is likewise on the list for the same reasons as the Luhansk people. Some are on it for doing nothing: Iosif Davydovich Kobzon, a member of the State Duma, is there for saying things that were favourable to the separatist cause and for being awarded some sort of honour by the new Donetsk outfit.