"This is our largest expansion of the sanctions list since Russia launched the war", Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy of the European Union, announced on X today.

The European Council's website confirmed the approval of new sanctions against 1,569 individuals and entities operating in Russia's military and industrial sectors.

Kallas further explained that "more than half of these are linked to ballistic missile production chains. We are making the production of weapons used to harm the people of Ukraine harder, slower, and significantly more expensive".

High Representative for Security and Foreign Policy of the European Union (EU) Kaja Kallas in Brussels, Belgium on 28/9. *Photo: AFP*

The current sanctions package focuses on mid-tier suppliers, considered core to Russia's military industry. These suppliers generate at least 20 billion EUR (over 22.3 billion USD) in annual revenue, according to the EU's announcement.

The sanctions list also reportedly includes 77 Russian parliament members who ran in the September election for the State Duma (lower house) in Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories, United24 Media reported.

This move increases the total number of Russia-related targets on the EU sanctions list to nearly 4,600.

Kallas emphasized that the new sanctions package demonstrates European unity in efforts to restrict Russia's weapon production capabilities for the war against Ukraine.

In June, the European Council reaffirmed its strong and unwavering support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.

The EU also strongly condemned Russia's recent serious escalation, including large-scale missile and drone attacks targeting civilians in Ukraine.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, Russia has faced unprecedented Western sanctions. The Kremlin views these sanctions as unjustified and believes they will not impact Russia's war objectives.

Thanh Tam (According to Reuters, United24 Media)