The sphere of nuclear energy, most likely, will not fall under sanctions as part of a new package of EU restrictions on Russia, Politico reports, citing diplomats. According to the publication, it is not easy to introduce restrictions against the industry.

The main difficulties are related to problems that may arise during the maintenance of nuclear power plants in Bulgaria. The nuclear industry is also a key economic sector in France, the newspaper added.

Earlier, the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that the EU countries would impose sanctions against Russia as soon as possible due to holding referendums on joining the Russian Federation in the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.

In response, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin advised Europe not to frighten the Russian Federation with sanctions. He also stressed that the inhabitants of the above regions have the right to self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter.

The Swiss Federal Council, in turn, said that Bern could join the new EU sanctions against Russia. They also added that they do not recognize the results of referendums in the DPR, LPR, Zaporozhye and Kherson regions.