Ukraine and EU discuss tightening sanctions on Russia’s shadow fleet
Ihor Zhovkva at a meeting with NB8 representatives (Photo: president.gov.ua)
On Thursday, December 11, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva met with representatives of the Nordic-Baltic Eight. The parties discussed military and political support for Ukraine, coordination of actions to achieve a just peace, and sanctions against Russia, according to the website of the President of Ukraine.
“Ihor Zhovkva held a meeting with the directors of Eastern Europe departments of the foreign ministries of the Nordic-Baltic region countries, who are responsible for shaping policy toward Ukraine,” the statement said.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) includes Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
What the parties discussed
During the meeting, Zhovkva expressed gratitude to the NB8 partners for their support of Ukraine on international platforms, adding that the countries of this region have made the largest combined contribution under the PURL initiative.
“The total sum of confirmed financial commitments from participating countries amounts to USD 1.55 billion, allocated across several packages. An additional USD 800 million will need to be contributed by the end of the year to ensure funding for new defense packages for Ukraine,” the article states.
Particular attention was given to sanction pressure on Russia, especially efforts to counter Russia’s shadow fleet.
Ihor Zhovkva emphasized that in 2024, Russia transported over 60% of its maritime oil exports using this shadow tanker fleet.
“It is important to expand sanctions against captains, crew members, and vessel owners to prevent circumvention of restrictions and reduce Russia’s ability to finance its aggression,” the presidential website notes.
In addition, the parties coordinated their positions ahead of the European Council meeting and Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026.
“Ukraine is fully delivering on its commitments on the European integration track. We are ready for the next steps in opening negotiating clusters and count on continued unity and support from the member states of the European Union,” Ihor Zhovkva stressed.
Russia’s shadow fleet comes under pressure
On December 11, it became known that the EU’s new 20th sanctions package against Russia may target Russia’s nuclear, steel, oil, and fertilizer industries. In addition, the restrictions will again apply to Russia’s shadow fleet.
Also, on December 10, the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) reported that they had seized a foreign vessel in Odesa that was part of Russia’s shadow fleet and was illegally transporting Ukrainian agricultural products from temporarily occupied Crimea.
We also reported that on December 10, SSU maritime drones struck another Russian-sanctioned tanker in the Black Sea. According to preliminary information, the vessel was disabled.
