The European Union has approved its 17th package of sanctions against Russia, this time targeting the so-called “ghost tankers”- vessels that form part of Russia’s shadow fleet used to evade sanctions on oil exports. The announcement was made by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during a defence ministers’ summit in Brussels.
“The EU has approved its 17th sanctions package against Russia, targeting 200 ships in its shadow fleet,” Kallas wrote on X. “Further sanctions are being prepared. As long as Russia continues the war, our response will remain firm.”
What’s next: Nord Stream in focus:
The 18th sanctions package is already under discussion and may include restrictions related to the Nord Stream 1 and 2 pipelines, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Both pipelines were key infrastructure for transporting Russian gas to Europe via the Baltic Sea and Germany, but have been inactive since the mysterious explosions in September 2022, months after Russia invaded Ukraine.
Nord Stream 2, although completed in 2021, never received the export licence needed to begin operations, due to escalating tensions with Moscow.
Future pressure points:
Kallas also noted that the upcoming sanctions package could involve new measures targeting the oil price cap, energy sector, and banking system, as the EU continues its strategy of intensifying pressure on Moscow.
Also read: Hungary to veto new EU sanctions on Russia
