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Ukraine Urges EU to Target Russian Tanker Fleet and Banks in 18th Sanctions Package

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Dariia Mykhailenko
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Ukraine Urges EU to Target Russian Tanker Fleet and Banks in 18th Sanctions Package
The vessel ANSHUN II with "Yokohama" fenders prepared and pipelines connected to transfer Russian crude oil, 20 miles off Ceuta, in Ceuta, Spain on March 5, 2023. (Source: Getty Images)

The Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, has called for the EU’s 18th sanctions package against Russia to include tougher restrictions on the Russian banking and energy sectors, the country’s tanker fleet, and the introduction of secondary sanctions.

Yermak made the statement in Telegram following an online meeting on June 10 with advisors to the leaders of Northern European and Baltic countries, the Presidents of the European Council and European Commission, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The discussion focused on strengthening international support for Ukraine amid ongoing Russian aggression. Yermak underscored the urgent need to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities in response to Russia’s intensified missile and drone attacks.

He also briefed participants on the recent visit of a Ukrainian delegation to Washington, where the sustainability of US military and political support was a key topic.

“Special attention was given to sanctions pressure,” Yermak said. He stressed that Ukraine expects the upcoming EU sanctions package to hit Russia's banking and energy sectors, its tanker fleet, and include secondary sanctions.

18th package of EU sanctions includes restrictions against Russia's banking and energy sectors, its tanker fleet, and incorporates secondary sanctions

The participants also coordinated their positions ahead of key international events: the G7 Summit in Canada, the NATO Summit in The Hague, and the upcoming EU Summit. According to Yermak, effective coordination is essential to the strength and resilience of the democratic front in confronting the aggressor.

Earlier, the European Union had officially adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, intensifying pressure on Moscow in response to its ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the new measures target nearly 200 vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The package also addresses hybrid threats and human rights abuses.

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