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European Union member states reached agreement in Brussels to expand the bloc's individual sanctions list over the war in Ukraine, adding 1,646 people and entities linked to Russia, according to a report by Euronews. EU ambassadors approved the move at a meeting in the Belgian capital.

The package covers 743 individuals and 826 organizations accused of supporting Russia's attacks on Ukraine, along with 77 lawmakers who ran in Russian State Duma elections held in September from Ukrainian territories under Russian control. Officials say it would represent the single largest addition ever made to the EU's Russia sanctions list. The measures include travel bans, asset freezes and a prohibition on providing funds to those listed.

The decision is due to be formally endorsed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on October 12 and will take effect afterward. The names of the sanctioned individuals and organizations will be released following official approval. With the new entries, the number of people and entities on the EU's Russia sanctions list is expected to exceed roughly 4,500.

Key Takeaways

• EU ambassadors agreed to add 1,646 people and entities to the Russia sanctions list.
• The additions include 743 individuals, 826 organizations and 77 Russian State Duma lawmakers.
• The list is expected to surpass about 4,500 entries once the package takes effect.