The European Union on Tuesday approved a new round of sanctions against Russia, focusing notably on nearly 200 vessels involved in illicit oil transport as part of Moscow’s efforts to circumvent Western restrictions imposed over its invasion of Ukraine.
The 27-member bloc designated a total of 189 ships, while also imposing asset freezes and travel bans on several Russian officials and companies. The measures were endorsed by EU foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked, “While President Vladimir Putin pretends to pursue peace, further sanctions are being prepared. Russia’s actions, and those enabling them, will face serious consequences.”
Russia has reportedly been using a “shadow fleet” to transport oil and gas covertly, as well as allegedly stolen Ukrainian grain. The EU has now sanctioned close to 350 vessels linked to this network.
These latest sanctions are not directly connected to Russia’s delay in agreeing to a ceasefire. Work on the measures began shortly after the previous sanctions package was finalised three months ago.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that the shadow fleet comprises approximately 500 ageing vessels of questionable ownership and safety standards, helping Russia continue generating oil revenue despite sanctions.
According to S&P Global and the Kyiv School of Economics Institute, more than 400 vessels are involved in transporting crude oil and related products such as diesel and petrol.
Vessels in the shadow fleet have also been suspected of damaging undersea infrastructure. Finnish authorities, for example, detained the tanker Eagle S on 26 December, alleging it had used its anchor to damage the Estlink 2 undersea electricity cable linking Finland and Estonia.
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The EU also imposed sanctions on individuals and companies including an insurance provider that facilitate the operations of the shadow fleet, targeting entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Hong Kong.
In parallel, the United Kingdom introduced 100 additional sanctions on Tuesday, aimed at increasing pressure on the Kremlin. These include measures against those supporting Russia’s military, energy exports, disinformation campaigns, and the financial institutions sustaining its war efforts.
The UK government also announced sanctions on 18 further vessels in Russia’s shadow fleet and on supply chains linked to Russian weaponry, including Iskander missiles used in attacks on civilian areas in Ukraine.
“Putin’s latest strikes once again reveal his true nature as a warmonger,” said Foreign Secretary David Lammy. “We call on him to accept a full, unconditional ceasefire immediately to enable negotiations for a just and lasting peace.”
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022, the EU has imposed numerous waves of sanctions, affecting around 2,400 individuals and entities, including government bodies, financial institutions, and commercial organisations.
