European Union foreign ministers agreed Monday to sanction 250 Russian individuals and entities, marking the largest single addition to the bloc's sanctions list since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas said the listings respond to Russia's recent attacks on civilians and called the move the most expansive round of designations to date.
The additions form the core of the 21st sanctions package against Russia, though member states have yet to reach full agreement on every element of the broader package. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen pressed for the package's full adoption during the Brussels meeting.
The ministers also discussed European Commission proposals for trade restrictions linked to illegal settlements in the West Bank, weighing tariffs, a full trade ban, or a licensing system. Separately, EU nations have purchased nearly all natural gas from Russia's Yamal project this year, the Financial Times reported, underscoring the bloc's continued energy ties to Moscow despite successive rounds of sanctions.