EU prepares new sanctions on Russia focusing on energy and shadow fleet - German MFA
Photo: German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul (Getty Images)
The EU is preparing its 20th sanctions package against Russia, aimed at limiting its energy revenues, neutralizing the shadow fleet, and blocking sanctions-evasion schemes, German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced this during a joint press conference with the Foreign Minister of Latvia Baiba Braže on Monday, January 26, in Riga.
The official stated that the new restrictions will target Russia’s hybrid threats, which manifest at sea, in the air, and in cyberspace, and are intended to strengthen the protection of Europe’s critical infrastructure.
The minister said that Europe is far stronger and more resilient than Putin wants to believe, and that this is why it is working at full speed on the 20th sanctions package.
Russia’s shadow fleet as the greatest threat
According to Wadephul, Russia’s shadow fleet poses a particular danger. Ships that evade sanctions not only allow the aggressor to generate revenue but also create a serious threat to the Baltic coast.
Wadephul pointed out that these are often vessels in poor technical condition with insufficiently trained crews, and in the event of a tanker accident, the Baltic Sea coast could be heavily polluted. He warned that there is a risk of an environmental catastrophe, which could have serious economic consequences for the entire tourism sector.
To counter these threats, the EU plans to strengthen oversight of such vessels, apply maritime law more actively, and expand international cooperation. In addition, Baltic countries will exchange information on the activities of the shadow fleet and on shipowners who violate the rules.
Wadephul also proposed making greater use of maritime law against ships with unclear flag status and stopping them.
Wadephul emphasized that action also needs to be taken against vessels with unclear flag status, noting that this involves maritime law and that all available tools of maritime law must now be used to stop such ships.
The minister stressed that the new sanctions will include not only restrictions on Russia’s energy revenues but also measures against sanctions-evasion networks that support the operation of the shadow fleet. According to him, this should reduce the aggressor’s financial flows and increase regional security.
He added that Germany is providing Ukraine with an additional €60 million package for winter and energy support, aimed at improving heating and energy supply, especially in frontline regions.
Furthermore, the German Foreign Minister called on China to "use its influence" to help achieve peace in Ukraine.
