EU Approves Record Sanctions Expansion Targeting 1.6K Russian Citizens and Entities

Oct. 7, 2026 kremlin.ru The European Union has agreed to blacklist more than 1,600 people and entities in the single largest expansion of its sanctions regime against Russia since the beginning of the 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine, diplomats said Wednesday. The new listings target 743 individuals and 826 entities primarily linked to Russia’s defense industry, according to Euronews. More than half are concentrated on missile production, Reuters reported Tuesday. The 22nd package also targets 77 political figures and election officials in connection with last month’s parliamentary elections held in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Several other Russia-related listings were approved under the EU’s separate North Korea sanctions framework. The sanctions entail travel bans, asset freezes and prohibitions on receiving EU funding. EU foreign ministers will formally approve the expanded sanctions list in Luxembourg on Monday, per Reuters, AFP and Euronews. The bloc last approved its 21st sanctions package in July. The agreement will bring the total number of people and entities under EU sanctions over the war to nearly 4,650. The agreement follows backlash over the recent removal of oligarchs Alisher Usmanov and Mikhail Fridman from the sanctions list, concessions made to prevent all other EU listings from lapsing. Usmanov’s removal was linked to the release of a French prisoner in Azerbaijan. EU officials are reportedly also considering moving toward qualified majority voting for future sanctions to prevent vetoes by single members. AFP and Reuters contributed reporting. Read more about: Sanctions , European Union Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia MFA Expands Entry Ban List in Response to New EU Sanctions Officials in Moscow did not disclose how many people were added to the entry ban list or their names. 1 Min read EU Toughens Sanctions on Belarus to Tackle Evasion Officials say Belarus has acted as a backdoor to get sanctioned products from the bloc into Russia, as they could be officially exported to Belarus. 2 Min read EU Sanctions Russian Pro-War Pop Star Shaman Brussels accused the performer of taking steps that undermine or threaten Ukraine's territorial integrity and independence. 2 Min read EU Targets Russia's LNG Sector in New Sanctions Package "This hard-hitting package will further deny Russia access to key technologies," EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said. 2 Min read