MOSCOW, March 31 (RAPSI) – Sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia over the recent Ukrainian developments will not concern regular Russian citizens, head of EU mission in Moscow Vugaudas Ushatskas told Kommersant daily on Monday.

According to Ushatskas, the sanctions won’t affect Russian citizens. On the contrary, several Baltic and Mediterranean countries relaxed the visa procedures for Russians, in an effort to attract more tourists.

The US and EU imposed sanctions on senior Russian officials, including visa bans and asset freezes, in protest of Russia's support of the recent Crimean referendum.

Crimea, a largely Russian-speaking republic within Ukraine, was part of Russia until it was given to Ukraine by Khrushchev in 1954. Putin said in an official address to federal and regional officials that the decision was made with clear violations of the constitutional standards at the time.

Crimea moved for independence from Ukraine after having refused to recognize the legitimacy of the new government that came to power following the ouster of President Viktor Yanukovich in February.