The European Union and Switzerland have announced a new round of sanctions targeting the shadow fleet of the Russian Federation, as well as related companies and individuals. These measures are a response to the ongoing aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine and its attempts to circumvent international restrictions.
This is reported by Business • Media
Strengthening EU Sanctions Against the Shadow Fleet and Cyber Threats
On December 15, the EU Council imposed additional restrictions on five individuals and four companies linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. The sanctions list includes businessmen associated with Russian oil giants “Rosneft” and “Lukoil,” as well as shipping companies registered in the UAE, Vietnam, and Russia. These companies own or operate tankers used to transport Russian oil in violation of sanctions regimes.
In addition, the EU has decided to impose sanctions on another twelve individuals and two organizations responsible for hybrid attacks, information manipulation, and cyberattacks targeting EU member states and their partners.
“Furthermore, the EU Council has decided to impose sanctions on another twelve individuals and two organizations in connection with the ongoing hybrid actions of the Russian Federation, which include information manipulation and cyberattacks on EU countries and their partners.”
Switzerland Synchronizes Sanctions with the European Union
Switzerland has also announced new sanctions against Russia and Belarus, aligning its measures with the 19th package of EU restrictions adopted in October. The new Swiss sanctions target 22 individuals and 42 companies whose activities are linked to the military industry, energy sector, banking sector, or Russia’s shadow fleet. Additionally, the country has imposed a ban on providing services for 116 vessels, most of which are tankers of the Russian shadow fleet.
Thus, the coordinated actions of the European Union and Switzerland aim to complicate the circumvention of sanctions, increase international pressure on the Russian Federation, and limit its ability to finance the war against Ukraine.