EU agrees on 15th sanctions package against Russia, targeting its 'shadow fleet' of oil

By Nur Asena Erturk

ANKARA (AA) – The European Union on Wednesday reached an agreement on new sanctions against Russia, targeting its “shadow fleet” of oil, according to an official statement.

“Ambassadors have just agreed on the 15th package of sanctions in reaction to Russia's aggression against Ukraine,” the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 announced on X.

The EU member states initially failed to agree on the package when Latvia and Lithuania refused to support it as it also extended a provision that permits Western companies to continue operating in Russia despite existing sanctions, the Politico news outlet reported last week, citing diplomats familiar with the issue.

The new sanctions package is expected to be discussed and formally approved by EU foreign ministers at their meeting on Dec. 16.

The proposed package “adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, and targets entities in Russia and in third countries other than Russia that indirectly contribute to Russia’s military and technological enhancement through the circumvention of export restrictions,” the Hungarian presidency of the EU Council explained.

“The adopted sanctions constrain the activity of additional vessels of third states operating to contribute or support actions or policies supporting Russia’s actions against Ukraine,” it also said, referring to Moscow’s shadow fleet of oil exporting ships.

EU's new foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas hailed the news on X and wrote: "We must keep up strong pressure on Russia. Good to see the 15th sanctions package agreed. It will further weaken Putin's war machine."

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also wrote on X: "The EU and its G7 partners are committed to keeping a pressure on the Kremlin. I welcome the agreement on our 15th package of sanctions, targeting in particular Russia’s shadow fleet."

The shadow fleet “consists of a growing number of aging and poorly maintained vessels that operate with minimal regard to the regulations, poses significant environmental, maritime safety, and security risks,” according to the EU Parliament.

The EU has imposed a series of sanctions on Moscow since President Vladimir Putin ordered his troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

In June, the EU Council adopted the 14th sanctions package against Russia to target individuals and businesses suspected of assisting Moscow in its war against Ukraine, including Chinese companies.