EU Plans Most Far-Reaching Sanctions Package Against Russia This Autumn

On August 17, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the German daily *Die Welt* that the European Union will propose a new sanctions package in the autumn. The proposal is intended to expand the list of sanctioned Russian entities by roughly one-third and to increase economic pressure on Moscow until its war in Ukraine ends. No specific timing or details of the measures were disclosed.

ReutersRTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EU has adopted 21 rounds of sanctions targeting individuals, companies, and sectors linked to the conflict. In July, the bloc approved its latest package, which introduced new restrictions on Russia’s banking system and on cryptocurrency networks. These steps form the immediate context for the forthcoming autumn proposal.

RTE (Radio Television of Ireland)

Kallas cited the cumulative effect of existing EU sanctions, estimating that they have already deprived Russia’s war machine of over €1 trillion (approximately $1.16 trillion). The planned expansion would raise the total number of sanctioned Russian entities by about one-third, representing the most extensive addition since the war began.

Reuters

She did not provide further elaboration on the specific instruments or timelines that the new package will contain.

Reuters

Analysts note that the projected increase in sanctioned entities could further restrict Russia’s access to international finance and technology, especially in sectors already targeted by earlier measures. By expanding the sanctions net, the EU aims to sustain economic strain on the Russian state and its military apparatus, reinforcing diplomatic efforts to compel a cessation of hostilities.

Reuters