EU adopts new sanctions package against Russia

The European Union (EU) on Wednesday approved a new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting Russia's "shadow fleet," as Europe threatened additional punishment if Moscow did not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine.

The new measures against the Kremlin – the 17th package of sanctions by the EU since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022 – were prepared before European leaders delivered a final ultimatum to Moscow regarding US-led peace efforts in Ukraine.

Diplomats - representing the 27 EU member states - approved the package at a meeting in Brussels, according to the bloc's Polish presidency.

The package, which is expected to be formally approved next Tuesday, includes blacklisting around 200 oil tankers used to evade restrictions on Russian oil exports.

Companies from countries such as Vietnam, Serbia and Turkey, accused of helping supply the Russian military with goods, will also face restrictions.

Dozens of Russian officials will be added to the list of nearly 2,400 people and entities already facing visa bans and asset freezes.

The package also includes sanctions against Russian individuals for cyberattacks, human rights violations and acts of sabotage in Europe.

Officials acknowledge that the new sanctions package against Moscow is relatively limited compared to previous packages, as the EU is finding it difficult to reach agreement on objectives.

In addition to these measures, EU leaders have threatened Russia with "major sanctions" if it does not accept a US-backed proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Russia on Tuesday that it would face further European sanctions if there is no "real progress" this week towards peace in Ukraine.

Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit at the negotiating table to talk about a ceasefire and peace in Ukraine, along with President Volodymyr Zelensky, in Istanbul on Thursday.

US President Donald Trump has said he could attend the talks in Turkey if Putin and Zelensky sit at the table, but so far there has been no sign from the Kremlin that Putin will attend./ REL