EU And UK Target Russia’s 'Shadow Fleet' In Fresh Sanctions, Zelenskyy Calls It 'Step In Right Direction'
The EU imposed its 17th sanctions package on Russia, targeting nearly 200 "shadow fleet" vessels used to circumvent oil restrictions. Zelenskyy welcomed the move, urging further action on Russian oil, energy, and financial sectors.
The European Union on Tuesday announced a fresh wave of sanctions on Russia, marking its 17th package since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. The latest measures target nearly 200 vessels from Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, accused of illicitly transporting oil to circumvent Western restrictions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the move and expressed gratitude towards European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the bloc. In a post on X, Zelenskyy stated, “I thanked President of the European Commission @vonderLeyen and the entire EU for the 17th sanctions package. It is a step in the right direction. It is important to impose tough restrictions on Russia’s tanker fleet, which serves to finance killings, as well as on all the schemes Russia uses to build up its military industry. The more pressure there is on Russia, the more incentives Moscow will have to move toward genuine peace.”
Zelenskyy added that he and von der Leyen also discussed the forthcoming 18th sanctions package. “Russian oil, energy trade infrastructure, banks, and financial schemes — these are the areas that hurt Russia the most, and therefore contribute the most to peace. I thank everyone who advocates for tougher sanctions and makes strong decisions,” he said.
According to the Associated Press, the EU sanctioned 189 ships, imposed asset freezes and travel bans on several individuals, and targeted a number of Russian companies. The sanctions were approved by foreign ministers of the 27-member bloc during a meeting in Brussels.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas remarked, “Putin feigns interest in peace, more sanctions are in the works. Russia’s actions and those who enable Russia face severe consequences.”
The bloc accused Russia of using its “shadow fleet” — comprising ships with obscure ownership and questionable safety practices — to transport oil and gas and, in some cases, stolen Ukrainian grain. Ukrainian officials estimate the fleet consists of around 500 ageing vessels, while the Kyiv School of Economics and S&P Global put the number at over 400.
The measures follow the EU’s continuing efforts to cut off Russia’s financial lifelines amid the ongoing war. The latest sanctions are not directly linked to any delay in ceasefire talks, with work on the package having begun shortly after the previous one was adopted three months ago.
Some vessels from the shadow fleet have also been linked to undersea infrastructure sabotage. Finnish authorities on December 26 seized the tanker Eagle S, suspecting it had damaged the Estlink 2 undersea power cable between Finland and Estonia.
In addition to the ships, the EU also targeted individuals, companies, and an insurer enabling the shadow fleet’s operations, including entities based in the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Hong Kong.
United Kingdom Imposes 100 New Sanctions To Mount Pressure On Russia
Parallelly, the United Kingdom imposed a set of 100 new sanctions aimed at increasing pressure on the Kremlin. The UK’s Foreign Office said the sanctions target Russian military supporters, energy exporters, propaganda networks, and financial institutions aiding the war effort.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said in a statement, “Putin’s latest strikes once again show his true colours as a warmonger. We urge him to agree a full, unconditional ceasefire right away so there can be talks on a just and lasting peace.”
The UK also added 18 shadow fleet ships to its sanctions list and targeted suppliers of Russian weapons, including those involved in the production of Iskander missiles used against civilian targets in Ukraine, AP reported.
Since the start of the war on February 24, 2022, the EU has sanctioned approximately 2,400 Russian officials and entities, encompassing government agencies, banks, and other organisations.
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