The European Commission has announced the adoption of the 17th sanctions package against Russia by the Council. The new measures aim to increase economic pressure on Russia amid its ongoing conflict with Ukraine, particularly by targeting Russia’s access to battlefield technologies and revenues from energy imports.
A key aspect of this package is the listing of 189 additional vessels associated with Russia’s shadow fleet, bringing the total to 342. These vessels are now subject to a port access ban and service provision ban. This action represents the largest single G7 sanctions effort targeting shadow fleet vessels, significantly impacting Russia’s oil export capabilities.
Additionally, 31 companies have been added to a list for providing support to Russia’s military industrial complex or engaging in sanctions circumvention. This includes entities based in various countries such as Turkey, Vietnam, UAE, Serbia, and Uzbekistan.
The package also includes 75 new listings comprising individuals and entities involved in activities undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty. These listings impose asset freezes and travel bans on individuals while prohibiting economic resource availability for entities.
Further trade measures expand restrictions on dual-use and advanced technology items crucial for military applications. Items like chemical precursors used in missile propellants and spare parts for CNC machine tools are now subject to export restrictions.
An extension of an exemption from the oil price cap is included for crude oil from the Sakhalin-2 Project transported to Japan due to energy security concerns. This exemption will last until June 28, 2026.
EU officials emphasize that these sanctions aim to undermine Russia’s ability to finance its war efforts. Economic indicators suggest significant impacts on Russia’s economy, including high inflation rates and reduced revenues from oil and gas exports.
David O’Sullivan, EU Sanctions Envoy, continues outreach efforts with third countries to combat sanction circumvention. Coordination remains strong within the G7 and other partners as part of ongoing enforcement efforts by EU Member States.
For further details on legal texts related to these sanctions or assistance inquiries, contact information is provided for spokespersons Olof Gill and Marta Perez-Cejuela Romero at the European Commission.
