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The European Union has proposed a ban on imports of Russian cod as part of a new sanctions package aimed at increasing pressure on Russia over its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Announcing the proposed 21st sanctions package, European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said the measures would, for the first time, extend trade restrictions to the fisheries sector.

The proposal includes substantial restrictions on imports of some fish products and a complete ban on others, including cod.

"We are addressing one of the last major unsanctioned sectors: fisheries," von der Leyen said. "We propose substantial restrictions on imports on some fish products, and a complete ban on others, including cod."

The fisheries measures form part of a wider package of trade, financial and energy sanctions proposed by the European Commission.

Von der Leyen said the new import restrictions are intended to support Europe's diversification away from Russian imports. The package would also align trade restrictions on Belarus with those applied to Russia, which the Commission said would help prevent Belarus from acting as a route for Russian trade.

Alongside the fisheries proposals, the Commission is seeking to introduce new export restrictions on products and technologies used by Russia's military industry, as well as new import bans on goods including certain metals, metal ores and car parts.

The proposed measures must be approved by EU member states before they can take effect.