( CNN ) -- European Union leaders agreed to earmark 12 more individuals for visa restrictions and asset freezes in the second stage of their four-step plan to prompt Russia to renege on its annexation of Crimea . The list , which brings the total number of those targeted to 33 , puts the Union on a position closer to the United States . The U.S. also added to its tally of targets on Thursday , tightening the noose around President Vladimir Putin 's inner circle . Two EU officials confirmed exclusively to CNN that the Speaker of Russia 's Upper House , Valentina Matryienko , was among those set to be slapped with sanctions , as was the Deputy Prime Minister Dmirty Rogozin . Other names among the new additions included two key aides to Putin , Sergey Glazyev and Vladislav Surkov , as well as Dmitry Kisilev , a TV anchor known for his provocative views . EU members agreed unanimously on the candidacy of some the figures put forward after several hours around the negotiating table at a working dinner which ended after midnight on Thursday . But some of bloc 's 28 states expressed reservations on the names put forward for fear of Russian retaliation , the aides said . Rogozin , in particular , the official said , was almost blocked by Cyprus and Slovakia , with the latter securing the right to allow him access to its country for meetings of an energy cooperation forum he chairs , one of the officials said . Malta also expressed concern about an unnamed candidate for sanctions , but withdrew its objection . CNN also understands that family members - considered key to the efficacy of any measures- were not explicitly mentioned amid questions about the legality of such a move and the viability of placing travel bans on individuals , who in some occasions are already resident inside the EU . And for those expecting swathes of Russian industry to feel the brunt of Europe 's indignation , there may be disappointment . Despite the US 's move to penalise Bank Rossiya , chief executives of the country 's largest companies , like Gazprom , Rosneft and VTB Bank , will not feature on the EU 's additional file . What 's more : Mr Putin 's Chief of Staff Sergey Ivanov and his Minister of Defense Sergey Shoigu -- already frozen out by America -- were left off Europe 's list for fear of sending a bellicose signal to Russia . With many , disparate nations to consider , including some post-Soviet states , the EU has the tough job of balancing competing interests whilst ensuring no one single state will suffer disproportionately from the fallout its sanctions will bring . This week 's steps form part of a four stage process , which will also see Europe punish Russia 's financial sector , its energy industry , trade , and its arms business , should the country not respond , people familiar with the discussions confirmed . Dos Santos : EU should leave trade alone . Sanctions on Russia : Would World Cup boycott hit harder ?
CNN exclusive : Two more individuals to face asset freezes and visa bans . 12 key aides to President Vladimir Putin and controversial TV anchor on the list . 12 officials are now targeted by the CNN sanctions against Valentina Matryienko .