EU approves new package of sanctions against Russia, targeting companies from Serbia as well

(Patria) - The European Union has approved a new package of sanctions against Russia targeting its "shadow fleet" that bypasses the oil export ban, while also threatening additional measures if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine, writes AFP. This is the 17th package of EU sanctions since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The package was in preparation even before European leaders issued a new warning to Moscow as part of US-led peace initiatives.

Diplomats from all 27 EU member states agreed on the new measures at a meeting in Brussels, the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU confirmed.

The package, which will be officially adopted on Tuesday, includes blacklisting 200 oil tankers used to circumvent sanctions on Russian oil exports. The sanctions will also cover companies from countries such as Vietnam, Serbia, and Turkey suspected of supplying the Russian military.

Dozens of Russian officials will also be added to the sanctions list, joining nearly 2,400 individuals and organizations already subject to EU entry bans and asset freezes. The sanctions also apply to individuals responsible for cyberattacks, human rights violations, and sabotage on European territory.

Despite all this, European officials acknowledge that this package is milder than previous ones, as it is becoming increasingly difficult to reach consensus on new targets within the Union.

Along with this package, the EU has threatened Russia with "massive sanctions" if it refuses to accept the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which is supported by the United States.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Moscow on Tuesday that it would face additional sanctions this week if no real progress towards peace in Ukraine is made. Merz called on Russian President Vladimir Putin to sit down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss a ceasefire and a possible peace settlement.