EU Prepares Record 1,576-Entity Sanctions Package Against Russia's Defense Industry

The European Union is preparing what would be the largest-ever sanctions package targeting Russia's military-industrial complex. The EU External Action Service (EEAS) presented the proposal to EU ambassadors meeting in the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) on Wednesday, September 16, listing 1,576 new physical persons and legal entities connected to Russia's defense sector.

Biggest List Since 2014

According to EU sources cited by Yevropeiska Pravda, the new package will be the largest list ever added to the sanctions regime covering violations of Ukraine's territorial integrity, which has been in force since 2014. The proposed list will supplement the existing roster of sanctioned individuals and companies.

Next Steps

The proposal must pass through technical review in a Council working group before returning to COREPER for final approval by EU member states. The timing is significant: the existing Ukraine-related sanctions regime is currently being extended, with France and Slovakia having caused a temporary seven-day extension amid negotiations.

Context

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga has called on EU countries not to lift sanctions on Russian oligarchs. The new package targets entities directly supporting Russia's military aggression against Ukraine and its arms production network.