EU adopts 15th sanctions package against Russia, targets shadow fleet, military links
The European Commission has welcomed the adoption of the European Union's 15th sanctions package against Russia, reinforcing its efforts to hold the Kremlin accountable for its ongoing aggression against Ukraine.
This latest package targets a range of economic and military sectors, with a particular focus on combating the evasion of sanctions, specifically targeting Russia's shadow fleet and entities linked to its military-industrial complex, Caliber.Az reports, citing the European Commission.
A key aspect of the new sanctions is the expansion of measures aimed at curbing Russia’s attempts to bypass the Oil Price Cap, which has already proven a pivotal tool in reducing the Kremlin's revenue from energy exports. The package adds 52 vessels to the list of Russia's shadow fleet, bringing the total to 79 ships.
These vessels, which have been involved in high-risk shipping practices including transporting Russian oil, arms, and stolen grain, will now face significant restrictions. They are banned from entering EU ports and will be denied services from EU operators, making it more costly and difficult for Russia to continue these operations. In addition to the financial impact, the move also highlights the serious environmental and safety risks posed by these often outdated and poorly insured vessels.
The package also includes 84 new listings of individuals and entities tied to the Russian military and energy sectors. These sanctions specifically target those involved in undermining Ukraine's sovereignty, including companies manufacturing weapons and military equipment, as well as individuals implicated in the deportation of Ukrainian children and propaganda efforts.
This includes the first-ever EU-imposed "fully-fledged" sanctions on Chinese actors—individuals and entities accused of facilitating the circumvention of EU sanctions and supplying sensitive technology to the Russian military. Additionally, two senior officials from North Korea have been sanctioned, reflecting growing concerns over the North’s support for Russia’s war effort.
In terms of trade, the package adds 32 companies to the list of entities supporting Russia’s military industrial complex. These include firms from Russia, China, Hong Kong, Serbia, Iran, India, and the UAE. New restrictions on the export of dual-use goods and advanced technology items will apply to these companies, further isolating Russia from critical global supply chains. The EU is also intensifying its efforts to prevent the re-exportation of sanctioned goods, working with key third countries to ensure that these items do not reach Russia.
The package also introduces protective measures for EU businesses. Notably, it includes a prohibition on recognizing or enforcing Russian court rulings that would otherwise give exclusive jurisdiction to Russian courts in disputes involving EU companies. This aims to safeguard EU businesses from unfair rulings that could impose unjust financial penalties. Furthermore, the package extends existing derogations, giving EU operators more time to divest from Russia.
In the financial sector, the package introduces measures to safeguard EU Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) from retaliation by Russian authorities. It allows for the recovery of cash balances held by these institutions and ensures that CSDs are not liable for additional payments to the Central Bank of Russia, apart from contractually due interest.
The EU’s sanctions remain central to its strategy of weakening Russia’s military and technological capabilities, while also cutting off crucial revenue streams for the Russian government. Despite Russia’s ongoing efforts to circumvent these measures, the EU continues to adapt and strengthen its response. As EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan underscores, close cooperation with third countries and vigilant enforcement within the EU are essential to ensuring that sanctions remain effective in disrupting Russia’s war efforts.
This package serves as another step in the EU's commitment to supporting Ukraine and pushing for a just and lasting peace, a goal that grows ever more urgent as Russia's aggression persists. The sanctions not only target the Russian government but also disrupt the networks that sustain its war machine, signalling the EU’s determination to escalate its response to Russia’s invasion.
By Aghakazim Guliyev