Russia's announcement to deploy its reserve forces to Ukraine has sparked a response from the European Union (EU) by imposing new sanctions on the country.
EU foreign policy chief Joseph Borrell described President Vladimir Putin's actions as a result of Russia's panic and desperation after Ukraine successfully retook some of its occupied territories.
He, who is currently in New York for the annual gathering of world leaders at the United Nations (UN), claims that Putin is clearly trying to destroy Ukraine with this action.
Borrell said the ministers agreed to task their team with preparing the eighth sanctions package, targeting the more volatile sectors of the Russian economy and those responsible for the war in Ukraine.
EU ministers will hold their next official meeting in mid-October when the sanctions package can be formalized.
Meanwhile, the Cyprus President warned the EU that it needs to ensure its sanctions on Russia do not negatively impact the bloc or individual member states.
Sanctions by the EU and other Western countries on Russia have previously had a major impact on the global economy, driving up the cost of energy and commodities sharply.
If these actions continue to be taken, this could bring more severe 'pain' to the world, especially Europe which is already affected by Russia's energy embargo.
