EU kicks off 18th sanctions package against Russia today – Lithuanian FM confirms
Photo: Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys (Getty Images)
The European Union is to begin preparing the 18th package of sanctions against Russia today, May 20, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys states.
According to him, the EU, which today adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, should begin work on its 18th package on the same day.
The recently announced 17th EU package concerns nearly 200 vessels of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which are accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions on crude oil supplies.
President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen also announced the preparation of the 18th package with further tough sanctions against Russia.
"It’s time to intensify the pressure on Russia to bring about the ceasefire," she emphasized.
EU sanctions against Russia
As a reminder, today, May 20, the EU introduced the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, targeting maritime transportation, oil traders, and their foreign accomplices.
In particular, 189 ships from third countries were banned, bringing the total number of such vessels to 342. These ships are part of Russia’s "shadow fleet" and are responsible for transporting Russian oil, practicing high-risk shipping methods, or supporting Russia’s energy sector.
