EU Plans Most Far-Reaching Sanctions Against Russia, Kallas Says

By Reuters Aug. 17, 2026 European foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. Ezra Acayan / Pool via REUTERS The European Union plans to significantly expand sanctions against Russia in the coming months over its war in Ukraine, the bloc's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, told the German newspaper Die Welt. "EU sanctions have already cost Russia dearly, depriving Russia's war machine of over 1 trillion euros [$1.16 trillion], and for the fall I am putting forward the most far-reaching sanctions listings since the start of the war," she told the newspaper. "Once adopted, they would immediately raise the total number of sanctioned Russian entities by a third. The pressure must keep growing until Moscow ends its war," said Kallas, who leads the European External Action Service (EEAS) — the EU's diplomatic service. She did not elaborate on timing or details of the new sanctions. However, EU diplomatic sources later told Reuters that the EEAS would propose targeting around 1,600 Russian individuals and entities, mostly linked to the military-industrial complex. The designations will include travel and transaction bans as well as asset freezes, the sources added. The EU has already sanctioned nearly 3,000 people and companies. The EEAS is expected to present the new sanctions list to EU countries in early September, with an aim to adopt them in October, the sources added. The listings are not expected to be accompanied by sectoral sanctions — which are under the European Commission's purview — as part of an effort to speed up their adoption. EU sanctions must be approved unanimously. Traditional EU packages against Russia, which combine sectoral measures and full designations, have frequently become dogged by lengthy disputes. During negotiations for the latest 21st package, Greece raised an issue over a forthcoming ban on Russian liquefied natural gas transfers. That package was approved in July, imposing curbs on the Russia's banking sector and cryptocurrency networks. The EEAS also expects to propose more listings in September on those accused of trafficking Ukrainian children under the framework of human rights violations. Later in the fall, it will further propose designations penalizing those said to be involved in Russia's hybrid warfare activities, including cyberattacks and misinformation campaigns. 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 EU Weighs Handing Raiffeisen $2Bln in Deripaska-Linked Strabag Shares – FT EU ambassadors were expected to discuss the plan in Brussels on Friday, with “several” member states likely to object, the FT reported. 2 Min read Luxury Firm Cucinelli Chided by Italian Regulators Over Russia Claims A report alleged that the cashmere company continued to sell ultra high-value luxury goods in Russia in violation of EU sanctions. 2 Min read EU Seeks Faster Russian Gas Phase-Out After Trump Push Despite a push to end decades of reliance on Russian gas, around 19% of the bloc's gas still came from Russia last year. 3 Min read Russia Threatens to Ban Norwegian Ships Over EU Fishing Sanctions Norway joined EU sanctions against two Russian fishing companies early last month, sparking condemnation from Moscow. 1 Min read