Media: EU preparing new sanctions package targeting Russia’s shadow fleet

The European Union is preparing a new round of sanctions against Russia that is expected to target Moscow’s so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers, along with banks, military-industrial companies and firms accused of selling stolen Ukrainian grain, according to European diplomats and officials cited by POLITICO.

The proposed measures, expected in late June or early July, would form the EU’s 21st sanctions package against Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.

Brussels sees the shadow fleet — a loose network of aging, often anonymously owned tankers used to transport Russian oil globally — as a key target in efforts to reduce Kremlin revenues and increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“Tightening the screws on the fleet will help choke off one of the Kremlin’s most important revenue streams — and increase pressure on Vladimir Putin to drop his maximalist demands in any Ukraine peace deal,” EU officials told the publication.

The sanctions package is also expected to target Russian financial institutions and military-industrial firms, according to seven EU officials and diplomats familiar with the discussions.

One diplomat cited in the report said the European Commission may revive proposals for a ban on maritime services for Russian vessels, an idea previously opposed by Malta and Greece.

Kaja Kallas and Ursula von der Leyen are reportedly pushing for a tougher sanctions approach.

“Kallas and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen are determined to double down on that momentum and ‘want a big package,’” a senior EU official involved in the preparations told POLITICO.

Kallas is expected to unveil separate sanctions on May 11 targeting nearly two dozen Russians accused of facilitating the abduction of Ukrainian children, while broader discussions on the 21st sanctions package are only beginning as EU foreign ministers meet in Brussels.

By Sabina Mammadli