EU backs new sanctions package targeting Russian oil fleet
The foreign ministers of the EU countries unanimously supported the 16th package of EU sanctions against Russia on Monday in Brussels. According to an EU source, it will encompass additional sectors of the Russian economy and parts of the so-called shadow fleet that transports oil from Russia.
Last week, a unanimous preliminary agreement was reached after the Polish presidency of the EU Council presented a compromise proposal. Poland wanted the sanctions to be adopted before the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale assault on Ukraine, which falls on Monday, 24th February.
The new sanctions are expected to include over 70 ships belonging to the so-called shadow fleet. Russia uses these vessels to circumvent international sanctions that impose a price cap on Russian oil.
Thanks to this, the Kremlin sells oil at prices above this cap and earns more. The transportation of raw materials involves over 600 ships flying the flags of third-party countries.
The decision made on Monday in Brussels also includes a ban on cooperation and transactions with several ports and airports in Russia that violate international sanctions imposed on Russian oil.
The 16th package also adds more individuals to the sanctions list. As a result, they will be prohibited from entering the EU, and their assets within the Community will be frozen. The list will be published when the package goes into effect.
Sanctions also cover additional sectors of the Russian economy. The export of aluminium from Russia to the EU has been banned, as well as the export of certain chemical substances from the EU to Russia.
