EU Set to Approve 17th Sanctions Package Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The European Union may approve its 17th package of sanctions against Russia on May 14, with plans to expand the list of vessels in the so-called “shadow fleet,” European diplomats told Suspilne on May 12. According to EU diplomats cited by European media, European Union ambassadors are nearing agreement on a 17th package of sanctions against Russia, with final approval expected during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 20.
Sources said the discussion was brief and largely free of major disagreements, though some delegations requested a short break to review recent amendments proposed by the European Commission. If adopted, the new measures will target nearly 200 vessels in Russia‘s so-called “shadow fleet,” which are used to circumvent sanctions and transport oil covertly.
One diplomat noted that while the bulk of the updates relate to maritime sanctions, other changes are relatively minor. Hungary and Slovakia — two countries that have previously hesitated on sanctions — have not opposed the current package. A Slovak diplomat reportedly said, “We do not see any obstacles to adoption.”
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas told Deutsche Welle the sanctions aim to maintain pressure on Russia to seek peace. “We plan to adopt it at the Foreign Affairs Council on May 20. There’s a lot in it, but it’s not fully agreed yet,” she said.
In addition to shipping-related restrictions, the package is expected to expand the list of sanctioned individuals and entities and may activate other EU sanction regimes related to human rights violations, hybrid threats, and the use of chemical weapons.
Read also: UK Prime Minister Starmer announces largest sanctions package against Russia
Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said the topic was discussed during an online meeting with the foreign ministers of the U.K., Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, France, and EU representatives. He added that the discussions also touched on potential sanctions targeting Russia‘s banking sector, central bank, and energy industry — measures that could accompany new defense aid to Ukraine.
On May 8, European Pravda reported, citing EU diplomats in Brussels, that Hungary is not blocking the 17th sanctions package, making its approval as early as May 20 more likely.
Original Article: EU set to approve 17th sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet — Nv