EU hits Russia with 17th sanctions package - shadow fleet targeted
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (GettyImages)
The European Union has adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting nearly 200 vessels of the shadow fleet, Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, reports.
The new restrictions are aimed at increasing pressure on Moscow, particularly in the maritime shipping sector, which has been used to circumvent existing sanctions.
In addition, the package includes measures against hybrid threats and human rights violations.
"The longer Russia wages war, the tougher our response," Kallas emphasized.
At the same time, the EU is already developing the next sanctions packages, which are expected to further strengthen international pressure on Russia and isolate its economy and political system.
EU sanctions against Russia
The previous sanctions package against Russia for its military aggression against Ukraine was adopted by the EU in February. That was the 16th package of restrictions. Since then, discussions on the next round of sanctions have been ongoing.
Earlier, Ukraine's European partners expressed their readiness to intensify restrictions against Russia if it refused to agree to a ceasefire. The EU also stated it was considering further sanctions.
On May 14, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had approved the 17th package of sanctions against Russia.
