The European Union and the United Kingdom have imposed new sanctions targeting dozens of ships in Russia's "shadow fleet," which helps Moscow evade restrictions imposed on it over the Kremlin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
As part of the 17th package of sanctions adopted by the EU on Tuesday, 189 ships were targeted, alongside an asset freeze and travel ban on several Russian officials and companies.
At the same time, Britain adopted measures targeting the shadowy fleet in a series of around 100 new sanctions, which aim to "increase pressure" on the Kremlin.
The sanctions approved by Brussels bring the total number of ships hit by punitive measures to 342, according to the Council of Europe.
The sanctions also address human rights violations and hybrid threats from Moscow, said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
"The EU has adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting almost 200 ships of the shadow fleet," Kallas wrote in X.
"More sanctions are being prepared against Russia. The longer Russia's war lasts, the harsher our response will be," she warned.
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.
The EU and its Western allies have been steadily tightening measures against the shadowy Russian tanker fleet and its associated actors as they try to circumvent the Group of Seven (G7) ceiling on the price of Russian oil, which is in effect since the end of 2022.
The price ceilings were set to allow the sale of Russian oil to third countries using Western insurance services as long as the price does not exceed $60 per barrel.
This move is starting to have an impact and the EU will seek a further reduction in the price ceiling during a meeting of G7 finance ministers this week in Canada.
Oil and gas exports are one of the main sources of income for Russia, with which it finances its war in Ukraine./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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