Ukraine urges EU to hit Russia's shadow fleet and oil giants with tougher sanctions
Photo: Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (mfa.gov.ua)
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiga outlined key ways for the European Union to pressure Russia, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During a speech at the EU Council on Foreign Affairs, Sybiha explained how Europe can exert pressure on Russia. Specifically, he mentioned blocking Russia’s shadow fleet and adopting the 20th sanctions package, including restrictions on Russia’s defense and oil and gas sectors.
He also called on Europe to follow the US example and impose sanctions on Russian oil giants Lukoil and Rosneft. The Ukrainian minister welcomed Europe’s final decision to phase out Russian gas by 2027. He also expressed gratitude for the decision to allocate the first ten million euros for the Special Tribunal.
"Russia must pay. Sooner or later. It must feel this pressure now. The very risk of losing assets forced Putin to change his behavior last year," Sybiha said.
Sanctions against Russia
The new European Union sanctions package against Russia is set to block Russia’s shadow fleet, which allows the country to generate revenue from oil.
Earlier, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that the 20th package of anti-Russian sanctions is designed to limit Russia’s energy income, neutralize its shadow fleet, and block schemes for evading sanctions.
RBC-Ukraine also reported that in October 2025, the United States imposed sanctions on two Russian oil giants, Rosneft and Lukoil. The measures were introduced to increase pressure on the Kremlin and force the Russian President to negotiate with Ukraine.
