Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU defense ministers in Cyprus, Kallas said the bloc had expanded the mandate of Operation IRINI, the EU naval mission in the Mediterranean.

The EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy said the main objective of the measure is to "curb Russia from funding" its military operation in Ukraine

Speaking ahead of a meeting of EU defense ministers in Cyprus, Kallas said the bloc had expanded the mandate of Operation IRINI, the EU naval mission in the Mediterranean.