EU's 17th sanctions package targets Russia's shadow fleet
The European Union has preliminarily agreed on the 17th package of sanctions against Russia for its military aggression against Ukraine. The sanctions are designed to target the Russian "shadow fleet" and individuals involved in the repression of opposition figures, Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza. The decision is set to be approved on May 20th.
The European Union is preparing to implement this latest package of sanctions. On Wednesday, EU country ambassadors reached a preliminary agreement on the matter.
The new sanctions aim to target the Russian "shadow fleet," which Vladimir Putin utilizes to sell oil while circumventing Western sanctions. Russia employs these outdated tankers to sell raw materials at prices exceeding those established by the West.
The European Union plans to extend sanctions to 200 ships, preventing them from docking at European ports. The technical condition of these ships poses an environmental threat, and their continued operation could lead to disasters such as oil spills.
Sanctions for repression against opposition figures
The new sanctions package will also target individuals responsible for suppressing the opposition, including 20 judges and prosecutors involved in the cases of Alexei Navalny and Vladimir Kara-Murza.
The sanctions will further extend to 30 companies that, despite existing restrictions, continue supplying Russia with technologies and goods used in the war against Ukraine. This list includes companies from the Russian Federation, Turkey, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU's blacklist will be expanded to include 75 individuals and companies associated with the Russian defense industry.
This is not the end. Member countries have also agreed on so-called hybrid sanctions, allowing for action against ships involved in destroying underwater cables and propaganda centers spreading misinformation.
