EU Sanctions Package Against Russia Confirmed
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed that the European Union has agreed on its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, she wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on May 14.
The package is set to be formally adopted by the EU Council on May 20. Von der Leyen emphasized that the EU will maintain pressure on the Kremlin to end its war in Ukraine. The sanctions package was approved by EU member state ambassadors and will be officially finalized by the Council of the European Union, a senior European diplomat told reporters in Brussels after the meeting of the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER), Interfax-Ukraine reported.
Shadow Fleet Targeted
The new sanctions list includes 189 vessels from Russia‘s shadow fleet to further restrict the Kremlin’s ability to export energy resources. Von der Leyen noted that the EU is further restricting access to battlefield technology, which will limit Russia’s capacity to wage war in Ukraine.
Additional Sanctions Approved
Additional sanctions were also approved for human rights violations, hybrid interference, and the proliferation of chemical weapons. The package aims to increase pressure on Russia to end its aggression in Ukraine and respect international law.
International Support for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and its “coalition of the willing” expect the United States and European countries to impose significant new sanctions on Russia if Moscow refuses to support a proposed 30-day ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that the EU is prepared to impose new sanctions within days if Russia rejects the ceasefire.
In conclusion, the EU’s 17th package of sanctions against Russia marks another step in the international community’s efforts to hold Russia accountable for its actions in Ukraine. The package targets key areas, including Russia’s shadow fleet and its ability to wage war, and demonstrates the EU’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Original Article: Von der Leyen confirms 17th EU sanctions package against Russia — Nv