The European Union announced on Thursday the imposition of sanctions on 41 additional ships belonging to the so-called Russian “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, bringing the total number of vessels on the EU sanctions list to around 600.
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The EU Council stated that these vessels are now subject to port entry bans and a wide range of maritime service restrictions, in response to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which has been raging for nearly four years.
The measures specifically target non-EU oil tankers that evade price cap mechanisms, support Russia’s energy sector, transport military equipment to Russia, or are involved in the shipment of stolen Ukrainian grain. The term “shadow fleet” refers to older oil tankers hidden from Western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Intensifying Pressure on Moscow
The EU emphasized that it remains ready to increase pressure on Russia, including through further sanctions. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday that the United States is preparing a new package of sanctions on Russia’s energy sector if President Vladimir Putin refuses a peace agreement with Ukraine. Sources indicated that the U.S. may also target ships in the “shadow fleet,” with announcements expected later this week.
Russian Warning
The Kremlin warned on Wednesday that potential U.S. sanctions could damage improving relations with Washington, as the U.S. seeks a settlement in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov noted that Russia is aware of Washington’s plans to impose sanctions if a peace deal is not reached. He reiterated Russia’s firm stance against the deployment of foreign military units on Ukrainian territory but stated the issue remains open for discussion during the upcoming visit of U.S. envoy Steve Whitkov to Moscow, though it will not occur this week.
The EU sanctions and U.S. preparations signal a continued strategy to pressure Moscow economically and politically while seeking leverage over the conflict in Ukraine.
