EU sanctions 41 vessels in Russia's 'shadow fleet' over Ukraine war

This brings total number of designated vessels to nearly 600, says EU Council

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - The EU Council on Thursday imposed sanctions on 41 additional vessels linked to Russia's so-called "shadow fleet," aimed at targeting the Kremlin's energy revenues amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

The newly sanctioned vessels will face a ban on access to EU ports and restrictions on a broad range of maritime services, an EU Council statement said.

The measure targets non-EU tankers that circumvent the oil price cap, support Russia's energy sector, transport military equipment, or are involved in moving stolen Ukrainian grain and cultural goods.

With Thursday's decision, the total number of designated vessels reaches nearly 600.

The move follows recent EU measures listing nine shadow fleet enablers and a joint declaration by EU member states to fully use international maritime law to counter threats from the shadow fleet and protect critical undersea infrastructure.

"The EU remains ready to step up pressure on Russia and its shadow fleet value chain, including by adopting further sanctions," the EU Council said.

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