European Union lawmakers will discuss the 15th package of sanctions tomorrow in response to Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, reports "Reuters".
Measures are also being considered to cover tankers carrying Russian oil, as well as Chinese companies involved in the production of drones for Moscow, EU diplomats revealed.
A total of 29 entities and 54 individuals will be added to more than 2,200 on the existing sanctions list, which bans travel and freezes their assets within the 27-nation bloc. Diplomats do not expect there to be significant disagreement.
A more substantial package will be proposed in January after Poland takes over the rotating EU presidency from Hungary, whose Russia-friendly leader has often delayed or blocked measures to support Ukraine.
In September, it was reported that Russia had established a weapons program in China to develop and manufacture long-range combat drones.
The proposal to add 48 tankers to the sanctions list is part of an effort by Western allies to limit Russian oil revenues by strengthening the G7 price ceiling on Russian oil.
The effectiveness of the cap, imposed at the end of 2022, was always expected to wane over time, Western officials said.
The 16th package is expected to tighten restrictions on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows and expand the use of the "no Russia" clause, which will oblige subsidiaries of EU companies in third countries to ban the re-export of certain goods for Russia.
The EU also wants to put pressure on financial institutions that help Russia circumvent Western restrictions, in line with a move taken by Washington earlier this year.