EU foreign policy chief proposes expansion of Russian sanctions

Kaja Kallas, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, announced on August 17, 2026, her intention to propose the most ambitious set of sanctions against Russia since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine. Speaking to the German press, Kallas stated that this new package will expand the list of sanctioned Russian entities and individuals by one-third.

Since the Russian invasion in February 2022, the European Union has implemented 21 rounds of sanctions, covering approximately 3,000 entities and individuals. Kallas asserted that these measures have significantly impacted the Russian war machine, costing it over one trillion euros. The new proposal is expected to be formally submitted this autumn as part of ongoing efforts to increase pressure on Moscow.