European Union representatives are set to convene on Wednesday to deliberate on a 15th sanctions package in response to Russia‘s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This package will target tankers transporting Russian oil and Chinese companies involved in drone production for Russia, according to EU diplomats.

The proposed measures will include adding 29 entities and 54 individuals to an existing sanctions list that already includes over 2,200 names, imposing travel bans and asset freezes within the 27-member bloc. The diplomats do not foresee any major opposition to these additions.

A more comprehensive sanctions package is anticipated in January, following Poland’s assumption of the EU’s rotating presidency from Hungary, whose pro-Russian leadership has often hindered or obstructed initiatives supporting Ukraine.

In September, Reuters reported that Russia had initiated a weapons program in China aimed at developing and manufacturing long-range attack drones.

The initiative to include 48 tankers in the sanctions list is part of broader efforts by Western allies to curtail Russian oil revenues by reinforcing the Group of Seven (G7) price cap on Russian oil.

Western officials have indicated that the effectiveness of this cap, which was implemented in late 2022, is expected to diminish over time.

As previously noted by Reuters, the upcoming 16th sanctions package is likely to impose stricter limitations on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and broaden the application of the “No Russia” clause, which would require subsidiaries of EU companies in third countries to refrain from re-exporting specific goods to Russia.

Additionally, the EU aims to exert pressure on financial institutions that assist Russia in evading Western sanctions, aligning with actions taken by Washington earlier this year.