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The European Union is preparing a new sanctions list targeting Russia’s military industry and covering 1,600 additional individuals and entities, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said Wednesday.
Speaking ahead of an informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Ireland, known as the Gymnich format, Kallas said ministers would discuss ways to increase pressure on Moscow.
She also blamed Russia for an Aug. 4 incident at Germany’s Leipzig-Halle Airport, where a drone believed to contain an explosive device was found, saying the case carried “all the characteristics of state-sponsored terrorism.”
Kallas said hybrid attacks against Europe should serve as a warning to countries that have so far taken what she described as a softer approach toward Moscow.
She said measures announced by Germany in response to the drone incident sent a “very strong signal” and demonstrated solidarity among EU member states with Berlin.
The new sanctions package being prepared would focus on Russia’s military industry and include 1,600 individuals and organizations, she said.
Kallas said ministers would also discuss how the EU could become more effective in foreign policy, arguing that the bloc needs to act “more agilely” in the current geopolitical environment.
Another topic will be how Europe can speak with “one voice” on multilateral international platforms.
The ministers are also expected to exchange views on freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the latest situation in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
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