European Union to Impose New Sanctions on Russia, Including Shadow Fleet

European Union countries have agreed to impose a new raft of sanctions against Russia, including those targeting nearly 200 ships in the so-called shadow fleet used to circumvent restrictions on oil and gas exports.

The new round of sanctions, set to be adopted next week, comes as Moscow and Kyiv may hold their first peace talks in Istanbul on Thursday.

The wide-ranging 17th package of sanctions is expected to see 189 ships blacklisted, bringing the total list to some 340, mostly aged tankers.

“I welcome the agreement on our 17th sanctions package against Russia,” European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on X, adding: “This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.”

The new set of steps further includes restrictions on 30 companies involved in the trade of dual-use goods, while 75 individuals and entities will be listed for their links to Russia’s military-industrial complex.

The measures also target Russia’s hybrid operations, including propaganda outlets or vessels and entities involved in the sabotage of underwater cables, airports, or servers.

Last week, the UK unleashed its biggest sanctions package on the shadow fleet, targeting around 100 more tankers, after previously blacklisting around 130 vessels linked to Russian oil trade.