A ninth package of sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine have entered into legal force on Friday after their publication in the EU Official Journal. The latest round of punitive measures target Russian defence companies, banks, media broadcasters and state officials, according to the legal register for EU regulations. A freeze on assets held in the European Union applies to 141 new individuals and 49 entities. Persons listed are also subject to a travel ban in EU territories. Sanctions aim to “push the Russian economy and war machine further off the rails,” European Commission President Urs…