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EU Approves 15th Sanctions Package, Blocking 52 Russian Shadow Fleet Tankers

Dec 11, 2024 22:06

1 min read

Authors: Amira Barkhush
Author

The fleet oil tanker Pashin (L) and the rescue and tugboat Nicolay Chiker (R), part of the Russian naval detachment visiting Cuba, arrive at Havana's harbour, June 12, 2024. (Source: Getty Images)

European Union ambassadors have agreed on a 15th package of sanctions against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

This was announced by the Hungarian presidency of the Council of the European Union.

‼️ Ambassadors have just agreed on the 15th package of sanctions in reaction to Russia's aggression against Ukraine.

🗒️ The package adds more persons and entities to the already existing sanctions list, and targets entities in Russia and in third countries other than Russia that… pic.twitter.com/DMUoMhRYTH
— Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU 2024 (@HU24EU) December 11, 2024

Sanctions were imposed on individuals and organizations from Russia and third countries that contribute to Russia's military and technological advancements, aiding its efforts to circumvent export restrictions.

Additional measures will also prohibit an additional 52 tankers from accessing EU ports, bringing the total to 79. The move aims to clamp down on Russia's "shadow fleet," a network of vessels involved in trading sanctioned fuel under opaque ownership arrangements.

“The EU and its G7 partners are committed to keeping a pressure on the Kremlin. I welcome the agreement on our 15th package of sanctions, targeting in particular Russia’s shadow fleet,“ wrote Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission.

Zelenskyy has previously stated that Russia’s shadow fleet earns around $11-12 billion a month, far outpacing the amount of aid Ukraine receives.