By Damien Gayle and James Chapman Europe last night imposed the toughest sanctions against Russia since the Cold War, sending the rouble into a tailspin and prompting warnings that British firms will be hit hard. EU leaders agreed unanimously to embargoes against vast sectors of the Russian economy, designed to cripple its banks, energy firms and defence capabilities. Russia will face sweeping new sanctions in response to its alleged support of rebel militants in east Ukraine. Scroll down for video Russian president Vladimir Putin: Russia faces sweeping new sanctions from both the U.S. and the EU The 28-nation bloc has imposed an arms embargo, banking curbs and a ban on trade in sensitive and dual-use technologies to punish Russia for its actions in its neighbouring country.
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Arms embargo will only apply to future contracts, meaning sale will go ahead
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But it will block 3billion euros worth of Russian arms sales to Europe a year
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Russian state-owned banks banned from issuing long-term debt in Europe
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Eight more Russians also face asset freezes and travel bans in Europe
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Fresh sanctions announced as John Kerry meets Ukraine's foreign minister
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Mr Kerry says Russia is 'leaving the international community with no choice'
Over the weekend, U.S. officials released what they say are images of Russian artillery firing from inside their country on @placeholder military positions.