European ambassadors have approved the 17th package of restrictive measures against Russia. This was reported by Agence France-Presse, citing diplomatic sources.
The primary focus of the new sanctions is Russia’s "shadow fleet," used to circumvent previously imposed bans on oil supplies. According to Deutsche Welle, an additional 200 tankers will be targeted, bringing the total number of sanctioned vessels in this fleet to 340.
The list will also include: - Around 30 organizations involved in sanctions circumvention, including those dealing in dual-use goods; - 75 individuals and entities linked to Russia’s military-industrial complex.
The formal approval of the package is scheduled for the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting on May 20.
Earlier, the Financial Times reported that the package would be finalized on May 14. The publication noted that companies from Vietnam, Turkey, and Serbia assisting Russia in evading sanctions, as well as 149 tankers from the "shadow fleet," could face restrictions.
Bloomberg, citing informed sources, reported that the EU had considered delaying new sanctions until potential negotiations between Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin in Turkey.