Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi announced that the country decided to freeze the assets of Russian oligarchs who are under sanctions of the European Union, RIA Novosti reported.

We are talking about the businessmen's assets worth more than 800 million euros.

"The sanctions, which we have agreed with our partners, aim to bring the Russian government to a cessation of hostilities, seriously and sincerely sit down at the negotiating table," Draghi explained.

Also, according to the prime minister, Italy was able to show unity to both the North Atlantic Alliance and the European Union.

"These sanctions have hit the Russian economy hard, the financial markets and the personal fortunes of people close to [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," the prime minister said.