EU Slaps Nearly 1,600 New Sanctions on Russia’s Military-Industrial Complex, Says Kallas

The European Union has approved nearly 1,600 new sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial complex, including companies and individuals linked to the production of ballistic missiles, drones and other weapons used in the war against Ukraine.

The measures were adopted by EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Luxembourg on Monday, October 12, in what the bloc described as its largest-ever expansion of sanctions listings since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the decision, saying the move was intended to disrupt Russia’s ability to manufacture weapons and sustain its military campaign.

“Europe is again showing a united front. More than half are connected to the production chain for ballistic missiles. We are making it significantly harder, slower and more expensive for Russia to produce the weapons it uses to kill Ukrainians,” Kallas said.

According to the EU Council, the package covers 1,569 individuals and entities, comprising 826 Russian companies and 743 individuals serving as their chief executives. The companies supply components for advanced weapons systems, including missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and military aircraft.

The targeted components include semiconductors, microcircuits, computers, radar equipment, communication systems, navigation technology, explosives and ammunition. The EU said the measures focus on mid-level suppliers considered central to Russia’s defence industry.

The companies targeted by the sanctions collectively generate annual turnover of at least 20 billion euros and employ more than 250,000 people, according to the EU Council. Some are listed by the Russian government as part of its military-industrial complex and benefit from state subsidies.

The new listings bring the total number of individuals and entities sanctioned under the EU framework protecting Ukraine’s territorial integrity to nearly 4,600. Those listed face asset freezes, while individuals are also subject to travel bans to the bloc. Providing funds or economic resources to sanctioned parties is prohibited.

Separately, the EU imposed sanctions on 77 individuals accused of participating in or organising Russia’s September 2026 parliamentary elections in Ukrainian territories occupied by Moscow.