EU envoys have approved 1,646 new designations under the bloc’s sanctions regime against Russia, with most targeting the country’s military-industrial complex, according to three EU diplomats.
More than half of the newly designated entities and individuals are involved in the production chain for Russia’s ballistic missiles, including the 9M723 Iskander-M.
Missile production targeted
The new designations include entities involved in missile testing and research, as well as the production of solid fuels and rocket engines used by Russia’s Iskander missile system.
The EU is also targeting producers of specialised textiles and synthetic and carbon fibres used in various missile systems.
The measures come as Russia continues to use ballistic missiles and drones in attacks against Ukraine.
Drones, shipyards and politicians included
The new list also includes drone manufacturers and shipyards involved in servicing Russian submarines.
Seventy-seven Russian politicians who stood for parliamentary elections in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories are also among those designated.
The sanctions are expected to be formally adopted when EU foreign ministers meet on Monday.
North Korean links targeted
The EU has also added seven North Korean entities and individuals linked to Russia’s war effort.
The move comes amid concerns in Brussels over growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in July that Russia had used North Korean missiles against Ukraine for the first time in almost a year, following an apparent replenishment of supplies.
Russia and diesel exports
The latest sanctions come as Russia maintains restrictions on diesel exports.
Russian President Vladimir Putin said last week that Moscow would not resume diesel exports to global markets until sanctions are lifted. The exports are currently banned until the end of October.
The global diesel market has also tightened amid the war in Iran and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, contributing to fuel shortages in Russia.
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