Obama: New US sanctions on Russia to be announced on Monday

US to unveil sanctions targeting individuals, companies and hi-tech defence items.

MANILA: President Barack Obama said the United States would unveil new sanctions on Russia later Monday, targeting individuals, companies and hi-tech defence items.

Obama made the announcement in Manila during an Asian tour frequently interrupted by the crisis in Ukraine, and as Europe moved ahead with its own new sanctions against Russia that were coordinated with Washington.

"Later today, there will be an announcement made. It builds on the sanctions that were already in place," Obama told a press conference.

The new sanctions will be imposed after Obama declared Sunday that Russia had not honoured pledges made under an agreement reached in Geneva designed to ease tensions in Ukraine.

Washington wants Russia to rein in pro-Moscow militias. Obama has warned the Kremlin to work with international monitors from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and decried "thugs" who have taken them hostage.

The president said Washington would unveil a list of "individuals and companies" that will be sanctioned to build pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

He said the measures would also focus on "hi-tech defence exports to Russia".

More details of the new sanctions will be unveiled later on Monday.