The expansion of the list of subjects targeted by sanctions is expected to be confirmed without debate, while the ministers are expected to discus the latest developments in the crisis, including the latest peace push led by German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Francois Hollande.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini is expected to brief the ministers with the latests developments as they lay the groundwork for a broader debate by EU leaders at the bloc's summit on Thursday.

The debate at the summit will likely be significantly shaped by the outcome of the meeting Merkel and Hollande plan to hold with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko in Minsk on Wednesday.

Depending on the outcome of the meeting, EU leaders could debate the stepping up of sanctions against Russia and further measures, including providing arms to Ukraine. The latter option is being considered by the US, but appears to lack support among the EU members.

Meanwhile, the foreign ministers are also expected to continue a debate on combating terrorism which they started last month by defining priority actions, including strengthening cooperation with Arab countries and bolstering EU missions around the world with security experts.