The European Union announced new sanctions on Monday.

They target almost 1,600 Russian people and companies tied to Russia's arms industry.

Many are suspected of making parts for drones and missiles.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said over half of those listed are linked to the production chain for ballistic missiles.

She said Russia uses these missiles to kill Ukrainian civilians every day.

She added that now is not the time to ease pressure on Moscow, but to increase it.

The EU also targeted 77 people accused of organizing or running "sham elections" in occupied parts of Ukraine.

It was the biggest single listing of sanctions since Russia launched full-scale war on Ukraine almost five years ago.

The EU said the companies appear on a list created by the Russian government itself.

That list identifies them as part of the Russian military-industrial complex, so they can receive subsidies.

The EU called them mid-level suppliers at the core of Russia's military industry.

Their components include electronics, communication equipment, radar and navigation systems, and explosives.

The sanctions bring the total number of Russian officials and entities targeted by the EU to more than 4,500.