EU High Representative proposes increasing the number of Russian entities subject to sanctions by one-third.
According to German media, the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is planning to propose increasing the number of Russian entities sanctioned in connection with the conflict in Ukraine by one-third.
In an interview with the German newspaper Die Welt on August 17, Kallas declared: "Next autumn, I will present the most extensive list of sanctions since the conflict began."
Europe's top diplomat stressed that, once approved, the new package of measures would "immediately increase the total number of Russian entities on the sanctions list by one-third."
Kallas's actions and statements came just weeks after the EU approved its 21st package of sanctions.
However, this latest sanctions package is considered to have been somewhat "toned down" compared to the initial draft and was only approved after lengthy negotiations, due to opposition from some member states to overly harsh measures.
Since the Russia-Ukraine conflict erupted in 2022, the EU has consistently increased pressure on Moscow through 21 rounds of sanctions.
According to figures from the European Commission (EC), current sanctions are targeting 3,000 individuals and entities.
According to Kallas's assessment, these sanctions have so far cost Russia's "war machine" more than 1 trillion euros.
