The European Union has adopted its 22nd sanctions package against Russia, adding 1,569 individuals and entities to its blacklist in what officials described as the bloc's largest single expansion of sanctions since the start of the war in Ukraine.

According to a decision published in the Official Journal of the European Union, the new package targets 826 companies and organizations and 743 individuals, bringing the total number of sanctioned Russian individuals and entities to around 4,700.

Those listed are subject to an entry ban into the European Union, while any assets they hold within the bloc will be frozen. EU citizens and companies are also prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to the sanctioned individuals and entities.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said more than half of the new listings are linked to Russia's ballistic missile production chain, describing the package as a significant step to increase pressure on Moscow.

The sanctions primarily target companies involved in Russia's military-industrial complex, including manufacturers of ballistic missiles, drones, rocket engines, radar and navigation systems, electronics, communications equipment and ammunition used by the Russian armed forces.

The package also includes 77 individuals accused by the European Union of organizing or participating in elections held in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine.

The latest measures are part of the EU's continuing efforts to increase economic and political pressure on Russia while limiting the country's ability to sustain its military operations.(ILKHA)