The Council of the European Union has adopted the 17th package of sanctions aimed at countering Russian aggression. The new restrictions affect nearly 200 ships belonging to a shadow fleet involved in transporting Russian oil, weapons, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Thus, the total number of sanctioned vessels has increased to 342.
This is reported by Business • Media
In addition to restrictions on vessels, the new sanctions package also includes trade restrictions for companies from Turkey, Serbia, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates that have helped Russian enterprises evade sanctions. The list of individuals and entities associated with the Russian military-industrial complex has also been expanded. These individuals are banned from entering EU countries, and their assets are subject to freezing. It is important to note that these new sanctions are not part of the “broad” restrictions that could be imposed if Moscow refuses a 30-day ceasefire. The EU is also actively working on the 18th sanctions package.
New Sanctions from the United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has also announced new sanctions against Russia. The restrictions cover 100 entities in the military, energy, and financial sectors, as well as individuals involved in the Kremlin’s information war against Ukraine. The sanctions include restrictions on the supply chains of Russian weapon systems, including “Iskander” missiles. The new restrictions target 46 financial institutions that facilitate Russia’s evasion of sanctions, as well as 18 vessels from the shadow fleet. London, together with its partners, is working to strengthen price restrictions on Russian oil.
Situation with the United States
Amid the tightening of sanctions by the EU and the United Kingdom, US President Donald Trump, after a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, announced that he does not plan to intensify sanctions against Russia. He noted that this could harm negotiations with Moscow, in which “there is a chance for progress.” The European Union expressed outrage at Trump’s position, voicing concerns that he might strike a deal with Putin that would satisfy Russia’s “maximalist demands” and contradict Ukraine’s interests.