The European Union is set to release its 19th sanctions package against Russia, with a focus on targeting Moscow’s ‘shadow fleet’ and companies aiding Russia in bypassing existing sanctions, rather than imposing major restrictions on energy sales. The decision, reported by Politico, reflects the bloc’s ongoing efforts to counter Russia’s economic resilience while avoiding further strain on European energy markets.
The sanctions package will reportedly include enhanced measures against the ‘shadow fleet,’ which refers to vessels used by Russia to circumvent international sanctions by transporting oil and other goods. Additionally, the EU aims to target companies that provide logistical or financial support to these activities, thereby tightening the economic pressure on Moscow.
Despite the absence of major energy sales curbs, the EU’s approach is seen as a strategic move to address the challenges of maintaining economic pressure without disrupting the energy supply that many European countries rely on. Analysts suggest that this package is designed to prevent Russia from finding alternative routes to circumvent sanctions while allowing the bloc to manage its energy dependencies more effectively.