‘Economic interests cannot trump security’: EU pushes biggest Russia sanctions expansion

The European Union is pushing ahead with what could become its biggest-ever expansion of sanctions against Russia, but member states are still divided over a broader 21st package of measures targeting Moscow.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc was hoping to approve the addition of around 250 individuals and entities to its Russia sanctions list, describing it as the largest number of designations introduced in a single round.

“We are hoping ​that we get 250 listings agreed.. this ​is the biggest number of listings we have done so far,” Kallas told reporters before a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers in Brussels on Monday.

The proposed listings are part of the EU’s ongoing effort to intensify pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. However, negotiations on a wider 21st sanctions package remain unresolved, with several important measures still under discussion.

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“When it comes to the 21st ‌package, ⁠there are still some open questions,” Kallas said.

The latest push highlights the challenges facing the European bloc as it attempts to tighten restrictions on Moscow while managing economic concerns among member states. Some countries have raised concerns over measures that could affect energy supplies, trade routes and business interests.

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys said EU countries had not yet reached agreement on two key proposals — a possible ban on maritime services linked to Russian trade and tougher restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Budrys warned that economic considerations should not take priority over security concerns.

“So I'm looking ​to ⁠see whether we are serious enough. We cannot put economic interests above security ⁠interests ... ​that is a very ​dangerous trend,” he told reporters.

The EU has already imposed 20 rounds of sanctions against Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. These measures have targeted Russian banks, defence companies, individuals linked to the Kremlin, oil exports and access to advanced technologies.

The proposed 21st package is expected to focus on strengthening enforcement of existing sanctions, preventing circumvention through third countries and restricting remaining channels that allow Russia to generate revenue and access critical goods.

Energy remains the most politically sensitive area of the sanctions debate. While the EU has significantly reduced its dependence on Russian fossil fuels since the start of the war, some member states continue to have economic ties with Russian energy suppliers.

The debate over LNG restrictions reflects the broader challenge for Europe: maintaining pressure on Moscow without creating fresh economic disruptions at home.

EU officials have argued that tightening sanctions is necessary to reduce Russia’s ability to finance its military operations. Supporters of stronger measures say loopholes in existing restrictions have allowed Moscow to continue exporting commodities and importing technologies through alternative networks.

However, some governments remain cautious about measures that could increase costs for European industries or affect energy security.

The foreign ministers’ meeting comes as EU countries seek to maintain unity on Ukraine policy amid shifting geopolitical pressures. Brussels has repeatedly said sanctions will remain a key tool to influence Russia’s behaviour and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.

If approved, the addition of 250 individuals and entities would represent the largest single expansion of the EU’s Russia sanctions list since restrictions were first introduced. But reaching a final agreement on the broader 21st package will require member states to bridge differences over energy and trade-related measures.