EU Imposes New Sanctions on Russia, Targets Shadow Fleet

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

The wide-ranging 16th package of sanctions is expected to see more than 70 ships blacklisted, bringing the total list to over 150, mostly aged tankers.

The new round of sanctions, set to be adopted next week, will mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

It will also include a Russian aluminum import ban, restrictions on Russian banks, measures to strengthen the G7 oil price cap, and new export bans.

“The EU is clamping down even harder on circumvention by targeting more vessels in Putin’s shadow fleet and imposing new import and export bans. We are committed to keep up the pressure on the Kremlin, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The move on the latest EU sanctions comes after US President Donald Trump’s administration agreed to hold more talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine after an initial meeting in Saudi Arabia that excluded Kyiv and its European supporters with US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, suggesting any peace deal will come with relaxation of sanctions.