The European Union announced a major new round of sanctions against nearly 1,600 Russian individuals and companies on Monday, targeting businesses connected to the country’s military-industrial sector and dozens of people accused of organizing or participating in elections in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.

The measures represent the largest single expansion of EU sanctions listings since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The latest restrictions focus heavily on the supply chains supporting Russia’s weapons production, particularly components used in ballistic missiles and drones.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said more than half of the newly targeted individuals and entities were linked to the production chain for Russian ballistic missiles, which Moscow has used in attacks on Ukraine.

"This is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow but to increase it," Kallas said while announcing the measures.

According to the EU, the sanctions target companies identified by the Russian government itself as part of the country's military-industrial complex, making them eligible for state subsidies. Brussels argues that the businesses and their officials help sustain Russia's military operations by supplying essential equipment and materials.

The targeted supply chains include electronics, communications equipment, radar and navigation systems, satellite and missile technology, explosives and ammunition. EU officials described the effort as an attempt to disrupt the network of mid-level suppliers that provides critical components to Russia's defense industry.

The sanctions also cover 77 people accused of organizing, working on or participating in what the EU described as "sham elections" in Ukrainian territories occupied by Russian forces. Brussels considers those activities part of Moscow's efforts to consolidate control over territory internationally recognized as belonging to Ukraine.

The latest action brings the total number of Russian officials and entities targeted by EU sanctions to more than 4,500. Those previously sanctioned include Putin, oligarchs suspected of supporting his government, lawmakers, financial institutions and companies associated with Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport oil and evade Western restrictions.

The expanded measures underscore the EU's continued effort to limit Russia's access to the technology, financing and industrial resources needed to sustain its war against Ukraine.