By: Manoah Kikekon
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| EU Leaders |
The European Union has rolled out its 17th round of sanctions against Russia, further tightening the economic noose on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The latest measures, announced by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, take direct aim at Russia’s shadow fleet and expand restrictions on hybrid threats and human rights violations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Kallas revealed that the new sanctions target nearly 200 vessels suspected of helping Moscow evade previous oil and trade restrictions. These ships, part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet,” have been instrumental in bypassing the G7-led oil price cap by transporting crude under the radar.
“The EU has approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting nearly 200 shadow fleet ships,” Kallas stated. The move aims to disrupt Moscow’s ability to fund its military operations by closing loopholes in existing energy sanctions.
Beyond maritime sanctions, the latest package introduces new measures to counter Russian hybrid warfare, including cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. The EU is also ramping up pressure over **human rights violations, signaling a broader strategy to hold Moscow accountable on multiple fronts.
“More sanctions on Russia are in the works,” Kallas added, hinting at further punitive actions if the Kremlin continues its aggression.
With each new sanctions round, the EU and its allies aim to starve Russia’s war machine of critical resources. The 17th package follows previous restrictions on banking, technology imports, and elite travel bans, but experts say enforcement remains key.
As Western leaders gather for the upcoming G7 summit, all eyes are on whether additional coordinated steps such as seizing frozen Russian assets will follow.
For now, the message from Brussels is clear: the pressure on Putin’s regime won’t let up.
(RIA/NAN)