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“Russia Must Pay”: Ukrainian FM Urges EU to Take Tougher Stance on Russian Oil and Shadow Fleet

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Photo of Dariia Mykhailenko
Dariia Mykhailenko
News Writer
The oil tanker “Grinch”, suspected of belonging to the Russian's shadow fleet, is seen outside the coast of Martigues near the port of Marseille-Fos on January 25, 2026. Illustrative image. (Photo: Getty Images)
The oil tanker “Grinch”, suspected of belonging to the Russian's shadow fleet, is seen outside the coast of Martigues near the port of Marseille-Fos on January 25, 2026. Illustrative image. (Photo: Getty Images)

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha outlined the key measures the European Union could take to apply pressure on Russia.

He made remarks during his speech at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on January 29.

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The minister emphasized actions such as blocking Russia’s "shadow fleet" and enacting the 20th sanctions package, which would target Russia’s defense and oil and gas industries.

Additionally, Sybiha called for Europe to adopt the approach of the United States by imposing sanctions on major Russian oil companies “Lukoil” and “Rosneft.”

He also commended Europe for its final decision to phase out Russian gas by 2027 and expressed appreciation for the allocation of the first $10.8 million to the Special Tribunal.

“Russia must pay. Sooner or later. It must feel this pressure now. The very risk of losing assets forced Putin to change his behavior last year,” Sybiha stated.

At the same time, the United States has returned the oil tanker M/T Sophia to Venezuelan authorities, marking a rare reversal of its previous policy in dealing with vessels connected to Caracas.

The Panama-flagged tanker was initially intercepted by the US Coast Guard, with military support, in early January as part of Washington's ongoing efforts to disrupt what it describes as Venezuela’s "shadow fleet."

The reasons for the return of the vessel have not been explained, and it remains unclear whether the tanker was carrying oil when it was handed back. This marks the first known case in which the US has reversed the seizure of a vessel linked to Venezuela's oil exports.

Earlier, it was reported that Finland's seizure of the FITBURG vessel, which is part of Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers, has come under renewed scrutiny after investigators revealed connections between the ship's captain and arms shipments between Iran and Russia.

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