The EU authorized a fresh round of sanctions against Russia on Wednesday, focusing on its alleged “shadow fleet” of oil tankers and threatening more severe actions if Moscow rejects a truce in Ukraine.
The package was prepared in advance of European leaders’ most recent call to Moscow to assist U.S.-led peace efforts. It is the 17th EU-imposed package since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
During a conference in Brussels, diplomats from the 27 EU members agreed the measures, according to the bloc’s Polish presidency. Next Tuesday is anticipated to see the official adoption of the package.
The EU’s sanctions list, which currently consists of about 2,400 individuals and organizations subject to asset freezes and visa restrictions, is expected to grow by dozens. The most recent additions include individuals who are said to have participated in European sabotage activities, human rights abuses, and cyberattacks.
The newest sanctions package, according to EU sources, is more limited than prior rounds, which reflects the growing difficulties in coming to an agreement on additional targets.
Earlier, European leaders threatened to impose “massive sanctions” on Moscow for violating a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine.
If both Putin and Zelensky are present, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he might go to the Istanbul negotiations. Putin’s participation has not yet been confirmed by the Kremlin.
In a threat of additional penalties if there is no “real progress” toward ending the war, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to hold peace negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Istanbul on Thursday.
If both Putin and Zelensky are present, U.S. President Donald Trump has stated that he might go to the Istanbul negotiations. Putin’s participation has not yet been confirmed by the Kremlin.
