The European Union on Wednesday approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, this time focusing on Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” of oil tankers. The move comes amid renewed warnings that further punitive measures will follow if Russia refuses an unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine.
The latest measures part of the EU’s ongoing response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine launched in 2022 were agreed upon by diplomats from the EU’s 27 member states during a meeting in Brussels, under the Polish presidency of the EU Council.
According to AFP, the package is expected to be formally adopted next Tuesday. It includes:
- Blacklisting over 200 oil tankers allegedly used to bypass EU restrictions on Russian oil exports.
- New restrictions on companies based in Vietnam, Serbia, and Turkey, accused of supporting the Russian military through the supply of sensitive goods.
- The addition of dozens of Russian officials to the EU’s sanctions list.
While officials acknowledged that this sanctions round is narrower in scope compared to earlier ones, they also noted that it has become increasingly difficult to reach consensus among all EU members on stronger measures.
The EU has warned that more penalties are on the table unless Russia engages in peace efforts — a message that aligns with the U.S.-led initiatives for ending the war.
