European Union foreign ministers have started consultations on how to respond to German allegations that Russia was behind a failed attack involving an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport.
On the table are sanctions on a further 1,600 individuals and companies linked to Russia's military-industrial complex, said EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas on Wednesday on the sidelines of a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Wicklow, Ireland.
More could potentially be added, she said.
The EU has already agreed on 21 sanctions packages on Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
EU sanctions on Russia are intended to hamper Russia's economical and military ability to continue its war against Ukraine. The measures are intended to weaken Russia's economic and military ability to continue the war.
Kallas had announced work on new punitive measures in August, before Germany publicly blamed Russia on Tuesday for the attempted drone attack at Leipzig Airport.
EU foreign ministers gathered in Ireland expressed their solidarity with Germany.
Kallas said that incidents like the one in Leipzig could serve as "wake-up calls" that "if we want to end this war, we all have to focus our efforts."
Ministers are also expected to discuss further support for Ukraine, including air defence, preparations for the coming winter and funding for additional assistance, as well as the possible use of frozen Russian assets.
The foreign ministers of Ukraine, Britain, Canada, Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland also travelled to Ireland to attend the talks on aid for Ukraine.
In addition, EU ministers are expected to discuss developments in the Middle East.