EU Member States agreed on Wednesday to impose sanctions on some 50 more ships from the shadow fleet that enables Russia to export oil bypassing Western restrictions.
This measure was officially announced as part of the 15th package of EU sanctions targeting Russian interests since the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. This package also includes restrictions on more Chinese companies for their collaboration with the Russian army, European diplomats said.
The new sanctions are to be ratified by the EU-27 on Monday.
Ukraine's international supporters have sought to limit the funds fuelling the Kremlin's war machine by imposing price caps and restrictions on Russian oil exports. To circumvent these measures, Russia has resorted to a shadow fleet, made up of ships that are often ageing and operated under foreign flags by dubious owners without adequate insurance.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stressed on Wednesday that the EU and G7 partners were "committed to keeping pressure on the Kremlin."
"I welcome the agreement on our 15th package of sanctions, targeting in particular Russia's shadow fleet," von der Leyen wrote on X.
Diplomats explained that the new sanctions package would see around 50 more ships added to the EU's blacklist, bringing the total number to around 75.
The announcement comes after similar measures were taken by the UK and the US.
The EU will also impose restrictions on more Chinese companies working with the Russian military. The bloc has already banned European companies from doing business with certain groups accused of supplying Moscow with essential components.
Diplomats added that the latest sanctions were not as far-reaching as previous ones, due to the reluctance of Hungary, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU.
Some hope that a more ambitious package will be proposed under the Polish presidency, which begins in January, but officials admit that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find significant new targets for sanctions.
