KYIV, Feb 12 – The U.S. and the European Union are close to agreeing upon new sanctions that will be imposed against Russia for attacking Ukrainian naval ships in November, the Financial Times reported Tuesday.

The measures will be announced within the next two months and will be aimed against a number of Russian companies and people linked to the attack in the Sea of Azov.

Top European diplomats will get together on February 18 to discuss the measures.

Kurt Volker, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine, said in Brussels December 17 that drive to impose the new sanctions have been ‘gaining some traction.’

Russian forces seized three Ukrainian Navy ships and 24 crewmen in the Kerch Strait that links the Black Sea with the Sea of Azov on November 25. The incident escalated tensions in the region and prompted international calls for the sailors' release.

Russia has alleged that the vessels had illegally entered Russian territorial waters near the Crimea region, which Russia seized from Ukraine in March 2014.

Kyiv has accused Moscow of stepping up "aggression" against Ukraine.

Volker told reporters that in Europe, "the notion that there needs to be a response and some additional sanctions and listing of names would occur seems to be one that's gaining some traction."

"I would not be surprised at all to see that happen in the next month or two," he added.

Volker said the restrictions could have a "deterrent effect" on Moscow because "it will be an indicator to Russia that future acts will also be met with sanctions."

The European Union, the United States, and other countries have imposed sanctions on Russia over Moscow's seizure of Crimea and its support for separatists in a conflict that has killed more than 10,300 people in eastern Ukraine since April 2014.

NATO has pledged support for Ukraine's navy to improve its naval capabilities and the alliance said it will also deliver secure communications equipment to Ukraine's military. (ft/nr/ez)