On Monday, 20 May, EU foreign ministers adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, aimed at the shadow fleet, hybrid threats and human rights violations. This was announced on social media platform X by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.
“The EU has adopted the 17th package of sanctions against Russia, which targets around 200 shadow fleet vessels. The new measures also cover hybrid threats and human rights. The longer the war lasts, the tougher our response will be,” Kallas said.
According to the head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, the total number of sanctioned vessels has increased to 342. These are ships that transported Russian oil, weapons and stolen Ukrainian grain. The new package provides for:
- sanctions against 189 vessels used to circumvent the restrictions,
- restrictions on 17 individuals and 58 legal entities,
- For the first time, economic sanctions for hybrid attacks, including physical attacks in Estonia, underwater sabotage and support for pro-Russian demonstrations in the EU.
Particular attention is paid to foreign companies that helped the Russian military-industrial complex circumvent sanctions and supply components for drones and missiles. The list includes companies from Turkey, Vietnam, Uzbekistan and the UAE.
The new package of sanctions is another step in Brussels’ consistent policy of economic pressure on Russia and those who support its aggressive war against Ukraine.
