European companies are banned from doing business with the ferry and the port under EU sanctions imposed on Russia after it annexed Crimea from Ukraine. Both retailers said they were not violating the sanctions because the stores are operated by their Russian subsidiaries, which are not subject to the EU sanctions. A spokesman for Metro said Metro stores in Crimea are operated by independent Russian entities and staff that are not subject to EU sanctions. Germany's Economy Ministry said it could not comment on specifics, but that violators of EU sanctions face penalties. EU SANCTIONSThe EU sanctions on Russia do not bar European firms and citizens from doing business in Crimea.

Source: The Star September 21, 2016 11:37 UTC