Zelenskyy urges EU to ban maritime support for Russian vessels

Read also: Britain signals it could seize ships tied to Russia's shadow fleet – The Guardian

He said Ukraine expects the next EU sanctions package to contain measures that will apply real pressure on Russia over its ongoing war, including restrictions that make it harder for Moscow to wage conflict.

"This also concerns banning maritime services for ships used by Russia. Europe should reach this point. It could become a major incentive for Russia to move from war to diplomacy, to real diplomacy. The war must end," Zelenskyy emphasized.

The president also noted that Ukraine has already sanctioned 225 ship captains involved in transporting Russian oil.

He added that Ukraine will gradually extend restrictions globally against anyone helping Russia earn money to fund the war.

Sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet

On December 13, Ukraine imposed sanctions on nearly 700 tankers that are part of Russia's shadow fleet, which transports sanctioned Russian crude oil in violation of international restrictions.

"It is the largest sanctions package specifically targeting tankers and other vessels that serve the aggression. The package includes vessels sailing not only under the Russian flag but also under the flags of other states, in particular spanning more than 50 jurisdictions," the president said.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul previously stated that the EU's 20th sanctions package should limit Russia's energy revenues, neutralize the shadow fleet, and block schemes to bypass EU sanctions.

However, Reuters reported on February 20 that EU ambassadors were unable to agree on the 20th sanctions package. Discussions may continue over the weekend ahead of the February 23 meeting of European foreign ministers.

In addition, Bloomberg recently noted that Greece and Malta oppose the European Commission's proposal to replace the "price cap" on Russian oil with a ban on transportation services.