MOSCOW - The European Union has imposed fresh sanctions on Russia, targeting some of its largest companies, in a response to Moscow's actions in Ukraine.

The military conflict between the Ukrainian government and pro-Russian separatists in eastern Ukraine has been raging since mid-April, claiming more than 3,000 lives, according to the UN. Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of providing the rebels with weapons and recruits.

In the new round of sanctions unveiled in its official publication on Friday the EU closed long-term lending for a number of Russian companies including the country's largest oil producer, Rosneft, and pipeline operator Transneft.

The EU also imposed sanctions on 24 individuals including rebel leaders and senior Russian lawmakers.