EU Approves 17th Sanctions Package Against Russia’s Shadow Fleet and Its Allies
The Council of the European Union has adopted a new, 17th sanctions package aimed at the Russian Federation, with particular attention to the so-called “shadow fleet” of Russia. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, announced that these restrictions pertain to nearly 200 vessels used to circumvent international sanctions and transport sanctioned goods.
This is reported by AgroReview
New Restrictions Will Also Affect Third Countries
The updated sanctions package includes the implementation of restrictions against 17 individuals and 58 legal entities, as well as the blocking of 189 additional vessels involved in transporting Russian oil, arms, and illegally exported grain from Ukraine. Thus, a total of 342 vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet will be under sanctions.
Notably, this time the sanctions target not only Russian companies but also firms from third countries, including Turkey, Vietnam, Uzbekistan, and the United Arab Emirates. These companies, according to available information, have assisted the Russian military-industrial complex in circumventing restrictions and have supplied components for the production of drones and missiles.
Protection Against Hybrid Threats and New Economic Sanctions
“The EU has approved the 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 ships of the shadow fleet. The new measures also address hybrid threats and human rights,” she stated.
For the first time in the fight against hybrid threats, the European Union is imposing economic sanctions for physical attacks in Estonia, sabotage on underwater cables, as well as for supporting pro-Russian demonstrations in European countries. According to EU representatives, these actions are intended to increase pressure on Russia and countries that support the Kremlin’s aggressive policies.
High-ranking officials emphasized that the new sanctions are just the beginning, and the European Union is preparing further stringent measures in response to Russia’s continued war.