Discussions on imposing sanctions targeting individuals suspected of chemical weapon utilization in Ukraine taking place in EU, as reported by Reuters.
Europe's discussing a fresh wave of sanctions against Russia, targeting individuals who've allegedly used chemical weapons in Ukraine. The chat's about the 17th round of sanctions, said to drop this summer.
The EU's Commission proposed a list of 15 legal entities and individuals linked to Russia's hybrid threats and suspected chemical weapon users in Ukraine. Alongside this, discussions are happening about another group of 25 people accused of human rights violations to be added to the sanctions list.
Rumors say the EU might include the Russian oil company Surgutneftegas in the list, which has already been sanctioned by the US.
As for the history behind this, the 17th package was initially reported to be prepared for an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May 2025. French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, mentioned the EU's hopes to coordinate this future package with the US.
Insights:
The exact adoption date of the 17th sanctions package is yet to be confirmed, with an expected announcement this summer. The package will likely expand upon existing sanctions by focusing on Russia's shadow fleets and addressing their attempts to evade current restrictions. The EU's recent sanctions have targeted both Russia's financial/trade sectors and its military-industrial complex, with a goal to maintain economic pressure on the nation.
[1] EU representatives began discussions on the 17th sanctions package against Russia on Wednesday 7 May, focusing on Russia's military machine and Moscow's shadow fleet.[2] Earlier, it was reported that the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia would be prepared for the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting to be held in May 2025.[3] These measures are expected to add 25 legal entities and individuals suspected of human rights violations to the sanctions list.[4] Recent EU sanctions have emphasized targeting Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers and preventing military supplies, such as components that could aid Russia's military operations.[5] The EU's sanctions policy is unlikely to change before July 31, 2025, when member states will vote on whether to extend the current measures.
[1] In light of the escalating war-and-conflicts in Ukraine, EU representatives began discussions on the 17th sanctions package against Russia on Wednesday, May 7, with a focus on Russia's military machine and Moscow's shadow fleet.
[2] Originally, the 17th package of EU sanctions against Russia was reported to be prepared for an EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting in May 2025, yet recent developments have accelerated the process.
[3] The European Commission has proposed a list of 15 legal entities and individuals linked to Russia's hybrid threats and suspected chemical weapon users in Ukraine, with predictions of an additional 25 individuals accused of human rights violations to be added to the sanctions list.
[4] The proposed sanctions will range from targeting Russia's financial/trade sectors to its military-industrial complex, particularly emphasizing the blocking of funds and assets associated with the entities and individuals on the list.
[5] As part of the sanctions policy, the EU is focusing on addressing Russia's attempts to evade current restrictions, such as preventing military supplies and targeting Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers. The policy efforts will continue to exert economic pressure on the government of President Zelenskyy, with the exact adoption date of the 17th sanctions package yet to be confirmed by July 31, 2025, during the vote on whether to extend the current measures.
