EU envoys approve 1,646 new sanctions against Russian military complex

EU ambassadors have approved 1,646 new designations under the bloc’s sanctions regime targeting Russia, marking the largest such package since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. These measures are set to receive final formal adoption by EU foreign ministers during their scheduled meeting this coming Monday.

The majority of the new listings, over 1,570, focus on Russia's military-industrial complex. Specifically, more than half of these entities and individuals are involved in the production of ballistic missiles, including the 9M723 Iskander-M system, encompassing research, testing, and the manufacturing of essential components like rocket engines, solid fuels, and specialized carbon fibers. The package also targets drone manufacturers, shipyards servicing submarines, and 77 Russian politicians who participated in elections within Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories. Additionally, seven North Korean entities and individuals associated with the war effort have been sanctioned.

These measures serve as a direct response to the ongoing use of ballistic missiles and drones in attacks against Ukraine. The approval follows extensive deliberations among EU diplomats and represents a significant expansion of the current restrictive measures against the Russian defense sector.