Ambassadors of the 27 EU member states adopted on Wednesday the 17th package of sanctions imposed on Russia. These target another 200 „phantom” tankers, intended to limit Russian oil exports, and approximately 30 entities accused of helping Moscow bypass existing sanctions, diplomatic sources announce.
These new sanctions are independent of the „massive” sanctions considered in case Moscow refuses to negotiate and accept a 30-day ceasefire, accepted by Kiev and demanded by Ukraine’s Western allies, reports AFP.
Hundreds of Russian ships under EU scrutiny
In total, around 345 ships are now in the crosshairs of the European Union, according to these diplomats.
This "phantom fleet" - composed of often aging and unregistered ships - mainly operates in the Baltic Sea, without Western insurance and with inexperienced crews.
Their number "exploded" after Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, following the EU and the West targeting Russian oil and petroleum product exports to reduce Russia's revenues.
According to a report by the Kyiv School of Economics (KSE), approximately 430 ships have been identified globally as part of this "phantom fleet."
EU prepares tougher sanctions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged his Western partners on Tuesday to impose on Moscow "the most powerful" sanctions if his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, refuses to meet him in Turkey for potential peace negotiations.
The new German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, reiterated on Tuesday that Russia will face additional sanctions if "real progress this week" is not made towards a ceasefire in the Ukrainian war.