14.05.2025 20:32
Ahead of the Ukraine-Russia talks to be held in Istanbul tomorrow, the European Union has dealt a new blow to Russia. EU member states have approved the 17th sanctions package against Russia. The new package includes restrictions on the "shadow fleet" used by Russia for oil shipments, and it has been reported that 189 more Russian ships involved in energy shipments have been added to the blacklist.
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The European Union reached a compromise in the Permanent Representatives Committee, composed of ambassadors, to approve the 17th sanctions package against Russia. Among the details of the new sanctions package are restrictions targeting the 'shadow fleet' used by Russia for oil shipments.
EU REACHES AGREEMENT ON 17TH SANCTIONS PACKAGE AGAINST RUSSIA
The European Union Permanent Representatives Committee (COREPER), consisting of ambassadors from EU member states, reached a compromise today on the 17th sanctions package against Russia. The preliminary agreement reached during the meeting of EU ambassadors this morning came a day before the direct talks expected to take place in Turkey between Russia and Ukraine. The 17th sanctions package, which has been in preparation since February, is expected to be approved by the foreign ministers of EU member states on May 20.
BLOW TO RUSSIA'S OIL SHIPMENTS
The new sanctions package, which specifically targets the "shadow fleet" used by Russia for oil shipments, also includes sanctions against 30 companies related to the circumvention of sanctions through third countries, as well as 75 individuals and entities connected to Russia's defense industry.
189 SHIPS TO BE BLACKLISTED
The compromise on the sanctions package, which Hungary, known for its opposition to economic sanctions against Russia, did not veto, was also confirmed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Von der Leyen, who expressed her satisfaction with the agreement, stated in a social media post, "We are further restricting Russia's access to military technology. Additionally, we are adding 189 more ships from the shadow fleet to the blacklist to target Russia's energy exports. This war must end. We will keep the pressure on the Kremlin high," she said.
"SANCTIONS ARE EMPTYING RUSSIA'S WAR CHEST"
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas stated, "We are trying to end this war by increasing pressure on Russia. I welcome the agreement on the 17th sanctions package. This package will target more ships in the shadow fleet that illegally transport oil to finance Putin's aggression. The sanctions are emptying Russia's war chest," she said.
"WE MUST PREPARE DESTRUCTIVE SANCTIONS THAT WILL STRANGLE THE RUSSIAN ECONOMY AT ONCE"
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, in a statement following the agreement among EU countries on the 17th sanctions package, said that the union needs to focus on a new sanctions package to strangle the Russian economy and force Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war. Arguing that the impact of the sanctions so far has been insufficient, Jean-Noel Barrot expressed that if U.S. President Donald Trump decides to exert pressure on Moscow, the EU should work with the U.S. Congress on sanctions. French Foreign Minister Barrot stated, "Today we are accepting the 17th sanctions package, but we will need to go further. Because the current sanctions have not deterred Vladimir Putin from continuing his aggressive war. Therefore, we must prepare destructive sanctions that can strangle the Russian economy at once and completely," he said.
Barrot, who will be in Turkey for the NATO foreign ministers' meeting tomorrow, said he would discuss the sanctions bill in the U.S. Congress with American Senator Lindsey Graham.
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