The European Commission has officially launched the preparation of the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which is scheduled to be agreed before the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May 2025, Reuters reports, citing sources in EU institutions.
One of the new elements of this package will be a response to Russia’s alleged use of chemical weapons in its war against Ukraine. In particular, the European Commission proposes to include 15 individuals and legal entities suspected of using prohibited agents in the sanctions list.
“The use of riot control agents, such as tear gas, as a method of warfare violates the Chemical Weapons Convention,” the publication notes, citing the text of the draft.
Sanctions will hit the fleet and energy sector
The new package will also focus on Russia’s military industry, the shadow navy that circumvents restrictions, and structures that help the Kremlin evade sanctions. According to preliminary data, the sanctions list may include up to 140 vessels, mostly tankers involved in the illegal transport of Russian oil.
A blow to Surgutneftegaz
A separate item is the imposition of sanctions against the Russian company Surgutneftegaz, which is already under US restrictions. This step could be the first publicly agreed EU measure against one of the key players in the Russian energy sector.
New names in the lists
In addition to chemical weapons and the navy, another 25 individuals and legal entities may be subject to sanctions for human rights violations. Discussions are ongoing, and the EU is expected to agree on the final package next week.
