Russia-Ukraine war: EU shuts airspace for Russian planes, bans 'pro-Russian' media

As war between Russia and Ukraine entered fourth day, European Union, on Sunday, has anunced to shut down its air for Russian planes-- decisions that over a dozen EU members had already anunced. "We are proposing a prohibition on all Russian-owned, Russian registered or Russian-controlled aircraft. se aircraft will more be able to land in, take off or overfly territory of EU," Russian aggression, President of European Commission, Apart from air, bloc of 27 member states that are located primarily in Europe has also anunced to fund weapons purchase to Ukraine and ban some pro-Kremlin media outlets-- news ncy Sputnik and Russia Today or RT.

" state-owned Russia Today and Sputnik, as well as ir subsidiaries, will longer be able to spread ir lies to justify Putin’s war and to sow division in our union," she added.

While anuncing a slew of measures against Russian aggression, Ursula von der Leyen said that step would mark first time in history of bloc when it finances purchase and delivery of weapons and equipment to a country under attack. It would also supply things like fuel, protective gear, helmets and first aid kits. Meanwhile, she also said that bloc will also impose sanctions on Belarus for supporting Russia in illegal invasion of Ukraine. Though she named Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko for supporting Russia’s widespread military campaign in Ukraine, she did t reveal wher sanction would be personal means sanction would bar Lukashenko from landing any of EU countries. "We will hit Lukashenko’s regime with a new pack of sanctions," she said.

NATO chief urged Russian President to return to negotiations table

On Friday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg appealed to Russia to withdraw all its forces from Ukraine and urged Russian President to return to negotiations table. In a staunch warning to Putin, Stoltenberg said Russia will have to pay prices for its deeds. "Immediately cease its assault. Withdraw all its forces from Ukraine. And turn back to path of dialogue. And turn away from aggression. President Putin's decision to pursue his aggression against Ukraine is a terrible strategic mistake. For which Russia will pay a severe price for years to come," he said. 

(With inputs from AP)

(Im: Twitter@vonderleyen)