On May 14, European Union (EU) ambassadors reached an agreement on the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia, intensifying pressure on the Kremlin amid its continued aggression in Ukraine.
The new measures are heavily focused on curbing Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers and countering hybrid threats.
European Council President António Costa emphasized the unity behind the decision, stating on X, “This is a strong signal that the EU remains united behind the people of Ukraine.”
A senior EU official, speaking anonymously to the Kyiv Independent, detailed that the new sanctions affect nearly 200 vessels associated with Russia’s shadow fleet. These ships have been instrumental in helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions and continue exporting oil above the G7-imposed price cap.
The fleet has also been linked by European nations to acts of espionage and sabotage.
Beyond the shipping crackdown, the sanctions package targets 30 companies accused of helping Russia evade sanctions and imposes restrictive measures on 75 entities and individuals connected to Russia’s military-industrial sector.
The latest package also introduces legal tools aimed at addressing Russia’s hybrid operations. These include measures against disinformation platforms, and entities involved in sabotage efforts against critical infrastructure such as underwater cables, airports, and data servers.
The EU will also sanction more than 20 individuals and entities involved in disseminating pro-Kremlin disinformation, and 20 judges and prosecutors who played a role in politically motivated legal actions against Russian opposition figures, including Vladimir Kara-Murza and the late Alexei Navalny.
Further restrictions include a ban on certain chemicals used in missile production.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also commented on the development via X: “I welcome the agreement on our 17th sanctions package against Russia. This war has to end. We will keep the pressure high on the Kremlin.”
