EU approves 17th sanctions package targeting nearly 200 Russian shadow fleet ships

The head of the EU diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, announced the information.

According to her, the package covers nearly 200 vessels of the Russian shadow fleet.

“New measures also address hybrid threats and human rights. More sanctions on Russia are in the works. The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response,” Kallas said.

Earlier reports said that the new European sanctions would deal an additional blow to Russia’s shadow fleet, covering almost 200 ships, including tankers. Additionally, 30 companies involved in sanctions evasion, including those dealing with dual-use goods, were added to the list.

In addition, individual sanctions will be placed on 17 people and 58 companies. Another 189 ships carrying Russian oil, weapons, and stolen Ukrainian grain will be blocked. In total, 342 ships will face restrictions.

It’s important to note that these tough sanctions target not only Russian companies but also businesses from other countries like Turkey, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and the UAE, which helped Russia’s military industry get around restrictions and supplied parts for drones and missiles.

For the first time, the EU is using its hybrid threat response to impose economic sanctions for physical attacks in Estonia, damage to underwater cables, and support for pro-Russian protests in Europe.

There are also separate sanctions for human rights violations — aimed at judges, police, and prison officials involved in the cases of Navalny and Kara-Murza. Sanctions also target Russian military groups connected to the use of chemical weapons against Ukrainians.

• On Wednesday, May 14, European Union ambassadors approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, along with additional restrictions. At the same time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need for stricter restrictions on Russia by Ukraine’s partners if Russia continues to undermine possible outcomes of peace negotiations.